Georgia Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Georgia Cotton yield is forecast at 932.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 142.0 lb/ac above the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
Georgia vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Georgia (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 887 | 854 |
| 2021 | 914 | 820 |
| 2022 | 1002 | 953 |
| 2023 | 949 | 900 |
| 2024 | 858 | 892 |
| 2025 | 1033 | 852 |
| 2026 | 932 | 790 |
How Georgia 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 Georgia Cotton farmers
Georgia cotton yield is forecast at 932 lb/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 101 lb/acre from the 2025 result of 1,033 lb/acre. It still sits 142 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 858 lb/acre in 2024 to 1,033 lb/acre in 2025. Because 932 lb/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
Precision tools pay in Georgia cotton by managing inputs that are costly and sensitive to season: growth regulators, nitrogen and irrigation. Variable-rate application and field-level yield maps show where those inputs earn a return and where they do not. 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. Protecting yield in a weak year like 2024 would be worth even more.
Precision ag platforms used by Georgia 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 Georgia 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 — Georgia Cotton
Why is Georgia cotton yield above the US average?
The October forecast of 932 lb/acre is 142 lb/acre over the US average of 790 lb/acre. Georgia has a long growing season and a large share of irrigated acres, which supports steadier yields than in drier cotton regions.
Is the 2026 Georgia cotton yield final?
No. The 932 lb/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until the final number is published.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Georgia cotton?
Variable-rate growth regulator and nitrogen applications put inputs where they earn a return. At $0.667/lb, each 50 lb/acre gained or protected is worth about $33 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Georgia cotton growers adopt precision tools?
Yes. EQIP offers cost-share of about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as nutrient management and pest management can support precision work, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.