Missouri Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Missouri Cotton yield is forecast at 1,385.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 595.0 lb/ac above the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
Missouri vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Missouri (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1144 | 854 |
| 2021 | 1260 | 820 |
| 2022 | 1240 | 953 |
| 2023 | 1361 | 900 |
| 2024 | 1320 | 892 |
| 2025 | 1084 | 852 |
| 2026 | 1385 | 790 |
How Missouri 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 Missouri Cotton farmers
Missouri cotton yield is forecast at 1,385 lb/acre for 2026 in USDA's Oct forecast, up 301 lb/acre from the 2025 result of 1,084 lb/acre. That puts the state 595 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. Over the last seven seasons yields have ranged from 1,084 lb/acre in 2025 to 1,385 lb/acre in 2026. The forecast is the highest of the seven seasons shown, though 2025 shows how quickly a season can slip. Because this is a forecast, USDA can revise it before the final estimate.
Precision tools help Missouri cotton growers protect a high-yielding crop by timing inputs to each zone. Variable-rate nitrogen, targeted growth regulator use and moisture sensing can limit waste on fields where soil varies. At the latest national price of $0.733/lb, each extra 50 lb/acre protected or gained is worth about $37 per acre, or roughly $36,650 across 1,000 acres. Lint pays by the pound, so even modest per-acre protection adds up across a field.
Precision ag platforms used by Missouri 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 Missouri 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 — Missouri Cotton
Why is Missouri cotton yield above the US average?
The Oct forecast of 1,385 lb/acre is 595 lb/acre above the US average of 790 lb/acre. Missouri's seven-season range of 1,084 to 1,385 lb/acre sits well over the national figure.
Is the 2026 Missouri cotton yield final?
No. The 1,385 lb/acre figure is USDA's Oct forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until USDA publishes the final number.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Missouri cotton?
Variable-rate nitrogen, growth regulator timing and moisture sensing help hold yield in uneven fields. At $0.733/lb, each 50 lb/acre gained or protected is worth about $37 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Missouri cotton growers adopt precision tools?
Yes. EQIP offers cost-share, about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as nutrient management can support variable-rate application, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.