Large Drop in U.S. Cotton Output

WASHINGTON - Aug 11/06 - SNS -- Cotton production is forecast at 20.4 million 480-pound bales, down 14% from last year's record high 23.9 million bales, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Yield is expected to average 765 pounds per harvested acre, down 66 pounds from 2005. Upland cotton production is forecast at 19.5 million 480-pound bales, 16% below 2005. Missouri and Tennessee producers are expecting record high production at 1.03 million and 1.25 million 480-pound bales, respectively.

American-Pima production is forecast at a record high 893,000 bales, up 42% from last year. The U.S. yield is forecast at 1,287 per harvested acre. California growers expect to harvest a record high production of 790,000 bales, up 42% from last year. The crop is progressing normally throughout Arizona and California but the prolonged heat wave in July caused some plants to shed their squares.

Subscribers can read the full text of the article by Clicking here