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

Resortecs and Decathlon collaborate on recyclable swimwear line

Belgian textile recycling company Resortecs and French sporting goods retailer Decathlon have teamed up to develop an innovative line of…

6 hours ago

Global Standard unveils initiative for monitoring of cotton farming

Global Standard has launched a groundbreaking initiative to showcase the potential of remote satellite monitoring in organic cotton farming systems…

6 hours ago

KARL MAYER launches energy efficiency solution

KARL MAYER launches Energy Efficiency Solution, a cloud-based platform integrating sensor technology and custom analysis software to monitor energy consumption.

7 hours ago

Loop Industries, Ester Industries partner to promote sustainability

Loop Industries has partnered with Ester Industries to create a manufacturing facility in India to produce low-carbon recycled rDMT and…

1 day ago

Silk Laundry introduces eco-friendly collection

Silk Laundry introduces its latest collection, "A View," merging conservation with fashion to foster "wearable conversations" about sustainable living.

1 day ago

Under Armour launches t-shirt utilizing Neolast

Under Armour has introduced its first product utilizing Neolast: the Vanish Pro T-shirt, boasting lightweight, stretchy, breathable, and fast-drying qualities.

1 day ago