Kansas Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Kansas Cotton yield is forecast at 561.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 229.0 lb/ac below the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
Kansas vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Kansas (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 804 | 854 |
| 2021 | 880 | 820 |
| 2022 | 586 | 953 |
| 2023 | 769 | 900 |
| 2024 | 778 | 892 |
| 2025 | 966 | 852 |
| 2026 | 561 | 790 |
How Kansas 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 Kansas Cotton farmers
Kansas cotton yield is forecast at 561 lb/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 405 lb/acre from the 2025 result of 966 lb/acre. That is 229 lb/acre below the US average of 790 lb/acre. Over the seven seasons shown, yields ranged from 561 lb/acre in this forecast to 966 lb/acre in 2025, so the 2026 figure is the lowest of the group. USDA can still revise a forecast before the final estimate.
Precision tools matter most when the margin for error is thin. At the latest national price of $0.667/lb, protecting 50 lb/acre is worth about $33 per acre, or roughly $33,000 on 1,000 acres. Soil-moisture sensing, variable-rate fertility and zone-based irrigation scheduling help match inputs to what a field can support. Spending less on weaker zones can protect returns even when yield falls short.
Precision ag platforms used by Kansas 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 Kansas 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 — Kansas Cotton
How does Kansas cotton yield compare with the US average?
The October forecast of 561 lb/acre is 229 lb/acre below the US average of 790 lb/acre. Kansas yields have ranged from 561 to 966 lb/acre over the last seven seasons.
Is the 2026 Kansas cotton yield final?
No. USDA's 561 lb/acre figure is an October forecast and may be revised. It is not a final yield until USDA publishes the final estimate.
What can precision agriculture add for Kansas cotton?
At $0.667/lb, each 50 lb/acre gained or protected is worth about $33 per acre. Moisture sensing and variable-rate inputs help avoid spending on zones that cannot pay back.
Is USDA cost-share available for Kansas cotton growers?
Yes. EQIP offers about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Applications go through the local NRCS Service Center, which can confirm which practices qualify.