Alabama Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Alabama Cotton yield is forecast at 921.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 131.0 lb/ac above the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
Alabama vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Alabama (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 790 | 854 |
| 2021 | 826 | 820 |
| 2022 | 930 | 953 |
| 2023 | 937 | 900 |
| 2024 | 816 | 892 |
| 2025 | 948 | 852 |
| 2026 | 921 | 790 |
How Alabama compares
Top Cotton-producing states, 2026 yield
| State | Yield (lb/ac) | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
| California | 1666 | +110.9% |
| Missouri | 1385 | +75.3% |
| Arkansas | 1384 | +75.2% |
| Mississippi | 1149 | +45.4% |
| Louisiana | 1091 | +38.1% |
| Tennessee | 1061 | +34.3% |
| North Carolina | 1059 | +34.1% |
| Virginia | 1038 | +31.4% |
What this data means for Alabama Cotton farmers
Alabama cotton yield is forecast at 921 lb/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 27 lb/acre from 948 lb/acre in 2025. It remains 131 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. The seven-season range runs from 790 lb/acre in 2020 to 948 lb/acre in 2025, so the current forecast sits near the top of the state's recent history. As a forecast, the figure may be revised before USDA releases the final estimate.
Cotton rewards precision management because inputs and timing vary so much across a field. Variable-rate nitrogen, plant-growth-regulator and defoliant applications guided by zone or canopy data can trim cost where plants need less. At the current national price of $0.667/lb, recovering 50 lb/acre is worth about $33 per acre, or roughly $33,000 on 1,000 acres. Those gains come before counting the savings from fewer overlapped passes.
Precision ag platforms used by Alabama Cotton farmers
Overview of major platforms — features and fit for different operation sizes. No sponsored content.
Precision ag ROI calculator
Estimate annual savings for your Alabama Cotton farm based on acreage and current yield
Estimate the payback on variable-rate seeding, zone-based fertility, and overlap reduction for your farm.
Estimate only — based on industry-average implementation costs (variable-rate seeding $18/ac, zone-based fertility $22/ac, overlap reduction $9/ac; $12,000 fixed + $17/ac ongoing) and USDA yield benchmarks, not a quote.
Frequently asked questions — Alabama Cotton
How does Alabama cotton yield compare with the US average?
The October forecast of 921 lb/acre is 131 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. Alabama has stayed between 790 and 948 lb/acre over the last seven seasons.
Is the 2026 Alabama cotton yield a final number?
No. It is USDA's October forecast, and USDA may revise it in later reports. The final figure comes after harvest is complete.
What does precision agriculture add on Alabama cotton?
Zone-based nitrogen and variable-rate growth regulator or defoliant applications match inputs to plant growth across a field. At $0.667/lb, every 50 lb/acre recovered is worth about $33 per acre.
Can Alabama cotton growers use USDA cost-share for precision practices?
Yes. EQIP pays about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Nutrient management and pest management conservation system practices are common fits, and the local NRCS Service Center takes applications.