U.S. Cotton Area Sinks

WASHINGTON - Jun 29/07 - SNS -- All Cotton plantings for 2007 are estimated at 11.1 million acres, 28% below last year and the lowest since 1989, according to the USDA's seeded area estimates for 2007. Upland planted area is estimated at 10.8 million acres, also down 28% from 2006 and the lowest acreage since 1989.

"The lower price for cotton and the higher price for bio-fuel crops led some growers to switch to those crops," the USDA noted. Upland growers in the Southeast States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) planted 2.36 million acres, down 30% from last year. By mid June, planting was virtually complete throughout the region except in Alabama and Georgia. Producers in those States battled extreme drought conditions which delayed planting.

In the Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee), producers planted 2.73 million acres, down 36% from last year. Mississippi growers planted 680,000 acres, the lowest planted acreage since records began. In Louisiana, producers planted 340,000 acres, the lowest acreage since 1975. By the end of May, planting was complete throughout the region. The hot, dry conditions during the early of part of June allowed the crop to begin squaring ahead of normal and the crop is reported in mostly fair to good condition.

Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico upland acreage planted totals 5.31 million acres, a 23% decline from last year. Texas accounts for 5.00 million of this acreage, down 22% from last year and the lowest acreage since 1989. Planting was underway in late March throughout southern Texas and completed by late April. In the Texas Plains, wet, cool weather slowed planting progress in May but planting was virtually complete by mid June. During the early part of June, Oklahoma producers received a break from the wet weather and made rapid planting progress but remained behind the 5-year average. The crop is rated in mostly fair to good condition throughout the region.

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