California Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
California Cotton yield is forecast at 1,666.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 876.0 lb/ac above the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
California vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | California (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1645 | 854 |
| 2021 | 1596 | 820 |
| 2022 | 1612 | 953 |
| 2023 | 1438 | 900 |
| 2024 | 1293 | 892 |
| 2025 | 1767 | 852 |
| 2026 | 1666 | 790 |
How California 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 California Cotton farmers
California cotton yield is forecast at 1,666 lb/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 101 lb/acre from 1,767 lb/acre in 2025. It is 876 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 1,293 lb/acre in 2024 to 1,767 lb/acre in 2025, so this year's forecast is the second highest of the group. As a forecast, it may still be revised.
California cotton is fully irrigated, so water is the main lever for margin. Soil-moisture sensors, variable-rate irrigation and zone-based nitrogen reduce applied water and fertilizer while protecting yield. 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. Lower water and pumping costs add to the return.
Precision ag platforms used by California 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 California 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 — California Cotton
Why is California cotton yield far above the national average?
The October forecast of 1,666 lb/acre is 876 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. California cotton is irrigated and managed intensively, which supports high yields.
Did California cotton yield fall in 2026?
The forecast is 101 lb/acre lower than the 1,767 lb/acre result in 2025. It is still a forecast, so USDA can revise it before the final estimate.
What precision practices matter most for California cotton?
Soil-moisture-based irrigation scheduling and zone-based nitrogen usually matter most. At $0.667/lb, each 50 lb/acre protected is worth about $33 per acre.
Can California cotton growers get cost-share for irrigation efficiency?
Yes. EQIP pays about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Irrigation Water Management (449) is among the eligible practices, with applications through the local NRCS Service Center.