By Jim Steadman 

USDA’s Prospective Plantings report for the 2022 crop year shows a total cotton planted area of 12.2 million acres for the year – up 9% from 2021.

The report was issued on March 31.

Upland cotton area is expected to total slightly more than 12.0 million acres, up 9% from 2021 planted acres. American Pima area is estimated to increase to 176,000 acres – up 39% from last year.

In all, estimated cotton acres are projected to increase in all but one cotton-producing states, with the largest projected increase (+82%) expected in Louisiana. Only Arizona shows a total decrease in cotton acres for the year (-7%) despite a 9% growth in Pima acres.

Regionally, USDA estimates total Southeast cotton area at 2.51 million acres and 1.93 million acres across the Mid-South states. Southwest area is expected at 7.46 million acres, with 324,000 total acres projected for Western states.

Among other crops, the USDA report showed a 4% decline in planted acreage for corn, a 4% increase for soybeans, a 1% increase for wheat, and a 15% decline for sorghum. Peanut acres are expected to remain relatively steady, while rice acres show a 3% decline.

Acreage estimates in the report are based primarily on surveys conducted during the first two weeks of March. The survey includes a sample of approximately 73,000 farm operators selected from a list of producers that ensures all operations in the United States have a chance to be selected. Information on crop acreage intentions for the 2022 was collected by mail, internet, or telephone.