1.4 Million Bale Reduction: USDA has lowered the forecast for U.S. cotton

Less cotton is expected to hit the market this season.

USDA data shows a reduction in the U.S. cotton forecast, contributing to tight ending stocks around the globe.

According to Mark Jekanowski, “Lower harvested area dominates the production change this month and results in about almost a 1.4 million bale reduction in U.S. cotton production. With tighter supplies, we reduced our export forecast half a million bales, and the ending stocks come down about a million bales.”

A big contributor to that drop is an increase in national abandonment rates. USDA boosted the number from 14 to 21%.
A large portion of those acres are in the southwest where dryland acres have seen a major decrease in yield estimates.

Cotton producers may be set to benefit as two of the world’s largest apparel makers agree to merge.

The Gildan active wear and Hanes merger is valued at $4.4 billion. If approved, it will close late this year or early 2026.

The two companies joining forces is expected to increase production efficiencies, expand distribution, and potentially raise demand for U.S.-grown fibers.

Related Stories
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
UMN Extension’s Emily Krekelberg outlines today’s top farm stressors, key signs of mental health distress in rural communities, and the resources available for support.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.