The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its December 2025 Crop Production report, highlighting key updates on cotton, sugarcane and harvest progress amid varied weather conditions across the country.
Cotton production edges up despite smaller acreage
All cotton production is forecast at 14.3 million 480-pound bales, up 1% from the November forecast but down 1% from 2024. Upland cotton yields are expected to average 929 pounds per harvested acre, a 10-pound increase from the previous forecast and 43 pounds higher than last year. However, harvested area remains unchanged at 7.23 million acres, down 5% from 2024. Pima cotton production is forecast at 378,000 bales, down 1% from November and 20% below last year, with yields slightly lower but still up from 2024. Record high yields are expected in several Southern states, including Alabama and Mississippi.
Sugarcane production rises slightly
Sugarcane production for sugar and seed is forecast at 35.8 million tons, up 4% from last season and slightly higher than last month’s estimate. Producers plan to harvest 939,000 acres, a 2% increase from 2024. Yields are steady at 38.1 tons per acre, with Louisiana expected to set a record high production.
Harvest progress and weather impacts
By late November, 79% of the nation’s cotton acreage was harvested, slightly behind last year and the five-year average. Corn harvest was nearly complete at 96%, with some states lagging behind. Weather in November brought warmth to much of the West and central U.S., but drought conditions persisted in parts of the South and Southeast, impacting soil moisture and crop conditions. Winter wheat emergence and condition varied by region, with some drought-stricken states reporting poor ratings.
The report underscores the mixed challenges and progress farmers face as they wrap up the 2025 crop year and prepare for 2026 planting.
