Louisiana Cotton Acreage May Fall This Growing Season

Louisiana cotton farmers are expected to plant 2.6% less cotton in 2018.

According to the National Cotton Council's Annual Early Season Planting Intentions Survey, Louisiana producers say they intend to plant 214,000 acres, a decrease of 2.6% from the 220,000 acres planted in 2017.  Respondents to the NCC survey in Louisiana said they intend to plant more soybeans and fewer "other crops."

Mississippi had the largest decrease here in the Mid-South.  In that state, growers say they intend to plant 596,000 acres, compared to the 630,000 acres last year, a drop of 5.5%.

However, in Arkansas, farmers say they will plant 466,000 acres, an increase of 4.7% over the 445,000 put in the ground in 2017.

The largest cotton producing state of Texas right now intends to get 7,154,000 acres in the ground, compared with the 6,900,000 last year for an increase of 3.7%.

According to the Council, may producers will continue to face difficult economic conditions this year. Production costs remain high, and unless producers have good yields, current prices may not be enough to cover all production expenses.

The National Cotton Council goes on to point out actual plantings will be influenced by changing market conditions and weather.

The survey was taken in mid-December with survey responses collected through mid-January.