Fuel consumption of cotton harvesting machinery systems was monitored over a minimum of five days of harvesting for two systems in 2006 and an additional five systems in 2007 and compared to historic data and crop budgets.   Fuel consumption per harvested acre of cotton increased from 1.75 gallons/ac (gasoline) in 1942 to 2.4 gallons/ac (diesel) for two row harvesters in the mid 1960’s to 1.83gallons/ac (diesel) for the current six row basket pickers.  Per bale fuel consumption has decreased from 4.08 gallons of gasoline per bale in 1942 to 1.20 gallons/bale with current six row pickers due to increased yields.  Handling systems have helped to reduce non-productive time at a small additional fuel consumption of 0.66 gallons/ac or 0.30 gallons/bale.