US cotton acreage to drop 15 pct this year over weak market price

The National Cotton Council (NCC) expects cotton farming in the world’s biggest exporter to fall to 9.4 million acres in 2015. That would be the smallest cotton acreage since 2009, according to U.S. government data.

U.S. cotton farmers are expected to reduce acreage by nearly 15 percent this year as weak market prices force them to switch to other crops.

The NCC survey, widely watched as one of the earliest indicators of the next season’s production, is based on a questionnaire mailed in mid-December to producers across the 17-state cotton belt.

The group said that farmers throughout the country would choose to plant other crops, including soybeans, corn, and wheat. The shift comes as cotton prices hover below production costs for farmers in many regions.

According Gary Adams, the group’s vice president of economics and policy analysis, history has shown that U.S. farmers respond to relative prices when making planting decisions.

Benchmark cotton futures touched 5-1/2-year lows in January.

Recent Posts

Better Earth unveils biodegradable fiber tableware

Better Earth has introduced the Farmer's Fiber Retail Collection, a new range of BPI-certified, US-made compostable molded fiber plates and…

1 hour ago

Engineers develop wireless tags using carbon fibers

Researchers have developed an innovative wireless tagging system that can identify objects and measure temperaturE without using traditional microchips.

1 hour ago

Avantium unveils breakthrough for recycling polycotton blends

Avantium has made a major breakthrough in textile recycling, developing a unique method to separate and reuse both cotton and…

1 day ago

Ventile, Northern Playground unveil versetile Anorak

Ventile has teamed up with Norwegian brand Northern Playground to introduce a new lightweight anorak designed for both outdoor adventures…

1 day ago

Faherty, Alternew to enhance retail experience

Faherty Brand has announced a new collaboration with Alternew to improve the shopping experience by offering convenient alteration services to…

1 day ago

GFA and PDS Ventures launch Trailblazer Program

GFA and PDS Ventures are searching for early-stage innovators with sustainable solutions that can transform the fashion and textile supply…

2 days ago