Cotton Output Outlook Improves

WASHINGTON - Dec 10/09 - SNS -- Production of all classes of cotton is forecast at 12.6 million 480-pound bales in the United States this year, up 1% from last month but down 2% from last year, according to the USDA.

Upland cotton production is forecast at 12.2 million 480-pound bales, up 1% from last month but down 1% from last year. Upland cotton harvested area, at 7.59 million acres, is unchanged from last month but up 3% from last year. American-Pima harvested area, at 146,200, was carried forward from the August forecast.

In the Southeastern region, farmers made rapid harvest progress during the first part of the month. However, heavy rains in the middle of the month slowed progress, and by the end of the month harvest was behind last year and normal. In Georgia, objective yield measurements indicated boll weights to be the largest on record.

During the early part of November, Delta producers made significant harvest progress due to ideal weather, but progress was still behind last year and normal. By month's end, harvest was nearing completion. Objective yield data for Louisiana showed the boll weight to be the lowest in the last 10 years but bolls per acre the second highest for the same time frame. In Arkansas, objective yield measurements showed bolls per acre to be slightly below average while boll weight was slightly above average. In Mississippi, the boll weights are the highest in the last 10 years.

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