NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. cotton growers are planting more acres this year, but analysts say strong production alone won’t determine where the market heads next.
Rich Nelson, chief strategist with Allendale, says export demand remains the biggest question facing the cotton market, particularly as uncertainty continues surrounding trade with China.
Nelson says China remains a key customer for U.S. cotton, and until there is greater clarity on trade, the market will continue to closely monitor export sales alongside this year’s crop conditions and yield potential.
While demand is one concern, growers are also keeping a close eye on an emerging insect threat.
Entomologists say the cotton jassid is becoming an important pest to watch, with early detection offering the best chance to limit crop damage.
Dr. Dawson Kerns says producers should scout fields frequently and look for the earliest signs of injury, including slight yellowing along leaf edges. He says that waiting until leaves begin to turn red means the infestation is already well established.
Kerns recommends paying particular attention to field borders and isolated plants, where cotton jassids are most likely to appear first. Detecting the insects while populations are still low can help growers respond before significant yield losses occur.
The cotton jassid is a relatively new pest in the United States, first confirmed in Florida in 2024, and researchers continue to study its spread and potential impact on U.S. cotton production.
