Modest Increase in U.S. Cotton Harvest

WASHINGTON - Jan 11/08 - SNS -- All cotton production is estimated at 19.0 million 480-pound bales, up slightly from last month but down 12% from 2006, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) final crop report for 2007.

The U.S. yield is estimated at a record high 871 pounds per acre, up 57 pounds from last year and up 7 pounds from the December forecast. The yield surpasses the previous record set in 2004. Harvested area, at 10.5 million acres, is down less than 1% from December and down 18% from last year.

Upland cotton production is estimated at 18.2 million 480-pound bales, up slightly from the December 1 forecast but down 13% from last year. The U.S. yield for upland cotton is estimated at 857 pounds per acre, up 7 pounds from last month and up 51 pounds from last year's yield. The yield will be the largest on record, surpassing the previous record high of 843 pounds per acre set in 2004. Harvested area, at 10.2 million acres, is down less than 1% from last month and 18% below last year. Upland planted area, estimated at 10.5 million acres, is 30% below last year.

American-Pima producers planted 292,300 acres, down 10% from last year. Harvested area, at 288,200 acres, is down 1l% from last year. Production is estimated at a record high 825,000 bales (480-pound), up 8% from last year but down 1% from December. The U.S. yield is estimated at 1,374 pounds per acre, down 7 pounds from December but up 238 pounds from last year.

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