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.
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
January 14, 2026 02:20 PM
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University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
January 14, 2026 02:04 PM
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Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
January 14, 2026 01:49 PM
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NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
January 14, 2026 01:34 PM
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The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
January 14, 2026 11:19 AM
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Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.
January 14, 2026 08:00 AM
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