4% Reduction in U.S. Cotton

WASHINGTON - Jun 30/09 - SNS -- The 2009 all cotton planted area is estimated at 9.05 million acres, down 4% from last year, according to the USDA's preliminary seeded estimates for the year.

Upland cotton planted area totals 8.91 million acres, down 4% from 2008. All and Upland cotton acres are the lowest since 1983. Upland growers in the Southeastern States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia) planted 1.88 million acres, down 2% from last year. By mid-June, planting was virtually complete throughout the region. The crop was rated in mostly fair to good condition throughout the region at the end of June.

In the Delta States (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee), producers planted 1.68 million acres, down 11% from last year. Mississippi growers planted 270,000 acres, down 26% from last year and the lowest since records began. In Louisiana, producers planted 240,000 acres, the lowest planted acreage on record and down 20% from last year. Tennessee producers planted 340,000 acres, up 19% from last year. Wet conditions throughout the region slowed planting progress. Planting was complete by the middle of June. The crop was rated in mostly fair to good condition throughout the region at the end of June.

Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico upland acreage planted totals 5.15 million acres, down 2% from last year. Texas accounts for 4.90 million of this acreage. Oklahoma producers planted 180,000 acres, up 6% from last year. Planting was complete in southern Texas by early May. In the Texas Plains, dry weather aided planting progress as planting was slightly ahead of normal.

Upland planted area in Arizona and California is estimated at 205,000 acres, down 20% from 2008. In California, producers planted 65,000 acres, down 46% from last year and the lowest acreage since upland estimates began in 1941. Arizona producers planted 140,000 acres. Planting was complete in both States by mid-June.

American-Pima planted acreage is estimated at 149,400 acres, down 14% from last year. California accounts for 130,000 acres, down 16% from 2008. Arizona producers planted 1,000 acres. Planting in Arizona and California was complete by early May. Texas producers planted 17,000 acres and New Mexico producers planted 1,400 acres.

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