North Carolina Cotton Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
North Carolina Cotton yield is forecast at 1,059.0 lb/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 269.0 lb/ac above the US average of 790.0 lb/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Cotton yield trend
North Carolina vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | North Carolina (lb/ac) | US average (lb/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 759 | 854 |
| 2021 | 1017 | 820 |
| 2022 | 1049 | 953 |
| 2023 | 933 | 900 |
| 2024 | 940 | 892 |
| 2025 | 1115 | 852 |
| 2026 | 1059 | 790 |
How North Carolina 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 North Carolina Cotton farmers
North Carolina cotton yield is forecast at 1059 pounds per acre in USDA's Oct forecast for 2026, down 56 from 1115 in 2025. That forecast sits 269 pounds above the national average of 790. Over the prior six years North Carolina yields ran from 759 to 1115 pounds per acre, so this forecast should be read against that range. Because it is a forecast, the figure can change in later USDA reports.
Precision-ag tools earn their cost by narrowing the gap between a field's best and worst zones. At the national price of $0.733 per pound, each extra 50 pounds per acre is worth $36.65 per acre. For example, a gain of 50 pounds per acre on 1,000 acres adds about $36,650 in gross revenue before costs. Variable-rate inputs, yield-monitor calibration and drainage or moisture records are the usual places to look for that gain.
Precision ag platforms used by North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 — North Carolina Cotton
Why is North Carolina cotton yield forecast down from last year?
USDA's Oct forecast puts North Carolina cotton at 1059 lb/acre, compared with 1115 in 2025. Hurricanes, heat and uneven rainfall can move yields sharply from year to year in North Carolina. The forecast may change as USDA updates its estimates.
How much could precision agriculture add to North Carolina cotton profit?
Results vary by field, but the arithmetic is simple. At $0.733 per pound, a gain of 50 pounds per acre is worth about $36.65 per acre, or $36,650 across 1,000 acres. Compare that with the annual cost of the tools you are considering.
Which USDA programs help North Carolina cotton growers adopt precision tools?
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) shares the cost of practices such as nutrient management, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) rewards existing conservation work. Contact your local USDA Service Center for current signup details. See the North Carolina grants page on this site for eligible practices.
What local conditions affect cotton yields in North Carolina?
North Carolina's coastal plain has sandy soils that drain fast, while the Piedmont has heavier clay, so fertility and water management differ by region. Field-level records of soil, planting date and weather help separate those effects from management choices.