Louisiana Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Louisiana Cotton yield is forecast at 1,091.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 301.0 lb/ac above the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
Louisiana vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Louisiana (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 986 | 854 |
| 2021 | 1011 | 820 |
| 2022 | 904 | 953 |
| 2023 | 872 | 900 |
| 2024 | 1070 | 892 |
| 2025 | 1350 | 852 |
| 2026 | 1091 | 790 |
How Louisiana 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 Louisiana Cotton farmers
Louisiana cotton yield is forecast at 1,091 lb/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 259 lb/acre from the 2025 result of 1,350 lb/acre. It still sits 301 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 872 lb/acre in 2023 to 1,350 lb/acre in 2025. Because 1,091 lb/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
Cotton returns depend on fiber quality and boll set as much as total pounds, so timing matters. Variable-rate plant growth regulators, defoliation timing and zone-based nitrogen help protect lint yield. At the current national price of $0.667/lb, 50 lb/acre is worth about $33 per acre, or roughly $33,000 on 1,000 acres.
Precision ag platforms used by Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 — Louisiana Cotton
Is the 2026 Louisiana cotton yield final?
No. The 1,091 lb/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until the final number is out.
Why is Louisiana cotton yield above the US average?
The forecast of 1,091 lb/acre is 301 lb/acre over the US average of 790 lb/acre. Irrigated and Delta-region acres tend to lift the state result compared with drier cotton areas.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Louisiana cotton?
Growth regulator rates, nitrogen and defoliation timing can follow field zones. At $0.667/lb, each 50 lb/acre gained or protected is worth about $33 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Louisiana cotton growers?
Yes. EQIP offers cost-share of about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.