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.
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
February 11, 2026 11:05 AM
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Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
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