USDA Cotton Ginnings Report 2025 -- Texas Remains the Leader

Texas maintains dominance as U.S. cotton acreage rebounds in 2026 following recent declines.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest Cotton Ginnings Annual Summary, offering a detailed snapshot of production across the Cotton Belt and setting the stage for the 2026 growing season.

The report confirms continued dominance by key southern states, while separate planting data suggests a modest rebound in cotton acreage after several volatile years.

Cotton Belt Concentration Remains Strong
The Cotton Ginnings survey, conducted across 17 primary cotton-producing states, continues to serve as the definitive measure of processed cotton volumes in the United States. 

These states span the traditional Cotton Belt, stretching from Virginia across the Southeast and Delta region into the Southwest, including major production hubs such as Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Data from recent USDA summaries and industry estimates indicate that production remains highly concentrated. Texas remains the clear leader by a wide margin, with Georgia, Arkansas, Mississippi, and North Carolina consistently ranking among the top contributors. 

This concentration reflects a combination of climate advantages, established infrastructure, and large-scale production capacity across the southern United States.

2025 Cotton Ginnings: Production Holds in Key States
The 2025 Cotton Ginnings Annual Summary, recently released in May 2026, provides comprehensive final data on running bales processed across all producing states. 

While detailed state-by-state figures vary, overall trends indicate:

• Continued leadership by Texas, which alone accounts for a substantial share of U.S. cotton ginnings
• Stable-to-moderate production across the Southeast (Georgia, Alabama, Carolinas)
• Solid output in the Mid-South region, including Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri
• Smaller but consistent contributions from western states such as Arizona and California

The geographic spread and relative stability in production underscore the resilience of U.S. cotton systems despite weather variability and market fluctuations.

Acreage Outlook: Cotton Rebounds in 2026
Looking ahead, the USDA Prospective Plantings report provides the first survey-based estimate of producers’ intentions for the 2026 crop year.

Farmers intend to plant 9.64 million acres of cotton in 2026, representing a 4 percent increase from 2025. 

This marks a notable shift following recent declines:

• 2024: significantly higher acreage levels (above 11 million acres)
• 2025: acreage dropped to approximately 9.87 million acres, down sharply year over year 
• 2026: projected recovery to 9.64 million acres

Despite the increase, planted area remains well below historical averages. Over the long term, U.S. cotton acreage has averaged approximately 12.46 million acres, highlighting a structural downward trend influenced by competing crops and market pressures. 

Drivers Behind Acreage Changes
Several factors are shaping producer decisions:

• Crop competition: Corn and soybeans continue to influence acreage allocation, with shifting profitability affecting planting choices
• Input costs: Fertilizer and operational costs remain key considerations when balancing crop portfolios
• Market volatility: Cotton markets are sensitive to global demand, particularly export dynamics

The increase in cotton acreage for 2026 suggests growers are responding to improved pricing signals or rotational needs after reducing acres in the previous season.

Regional Insights for 2026
Early planting expectations also show variation by region:

• Southeast states such as Georgia and Florida are expected to increase acreage modestly
• Some states, including Alabama, are projected to remain stable
• The Southwest, particularly Texas, continues to dominate total planted area

These shifts reflect both agronomic conditions and regional profitability expectations heading into the 2026 season. 

Comparing Production and Planting Trends
A key takeaway from both reports is the alignment between where cotton is grown and where production is concentrated:

• The same core states dominate both harvested output and planted acreage
• Texas remains central to national supply trends
• The Southeast and Mid-South provide critical stability to overall production

At the same time, the divergence between acreage and production in recent years highlights the impact of yield variability and abandonment rates, particularly in drought-prone regions.

Outlook: Stability with Measured Growth
The USDA’s combined data points to a cautiously optimistic outlook for the U.S. cotton sector:

• Production remains anchored by established high-output states
• Acreage is stabilizing after a sharp decline in 2025
• Long-term acreage trends still suggest structural adjustments within U.S. agriculture

As always, the 2026 season will be shaped by weather, input costs, and market conditions, but early indications point to a sector that is maintaining stability while adapting to changing economic realities.

On a global scale, the United States ranks among the top cotton producers worldwide, typically placing fourth behind China, India, and Brazil, and accounting for roughly 10 to 12 percent of global production.