The Hits Keep Coming: January’s WASDE wasn’t great for cotton producers

This month’s WASDE Report offered little support to cotton growers who were already having a rough year. The Farm Bureau says the hits keep coming.

“There was an increase in estimated production numbers and a decline in exports and consumption, which caused ending stocks to increase by about nine percent. Basically, production has bounced back this year in cotton, largely due to better-growing conditions in Texas, but demand has fallen over last year. This has led to a nearly 15 percent decrease in price since last year,” said Betty Resnick.

Since the 2018 Farm Bill, cotton growers have seen their production costs go up by nearly 30 percent. Analysts say this year’s input costs likely will not provide much support.

Related Stories
Lower shipping costs favor corn, while soybeans face pressure.
Farmers this year will finally be able to update their base acres with the USDA, something that experts warn must be done with complete accuracy.
Faster approvals could speed projects, but may face scrutiny.
Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.
This Final Rule adopts the changes introduced in the Interim Final Rule, consolidating seven agency-specific NEPA regulations into a single, department-wide framework, reducing the overall volume of regulations by 66 percent.
Rich Nelson with Allendale joined us to break down early planting progress, market expectations, and what producers should keep an eye on as the season moves forward.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

AFBF Economist Dr. Faith Parum break down new survey findings on fertilizer affordability and producer sentiment heading into the 2026 growing season.
Sen. Roger Marshall joined us to discuss rising input costs, farm support efforts, and legislation aimed at strengthening domestic fertilizer supply.
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
David Gruchot with USDA APHIS joined us to discuss the growing threat of invasive pests and the steps individuals can take to help protect U.S. agriculture.
ASFMRA’s Shawn Wood joins us to discuss farmland market trends in Arizona and the key factors shaping land values and water-driven decision-making.
March 15 of each year is the application deadline for the Pima Cotton Trust, and March 1 of each year is the application deadline for the Wool Trust. The law mandates trust payments by April 15. More information about these programs is available at www.fas.usda.gov/programs.