Trends in United States Cotton Yield Productivity Since 1980

Cotton is produced in over 30 countries and provides a major fiber source for textile manufacturers. In 2012, the direct market value of 17.0 million bales of U.S. cotton equated to US$ 8.1 billion. The objective of this study was to document trends in U.S. upland cotton yield productivity since 1980. A second objective was to document the impact of genetic gain on yield productivity. To meet these objectives, on-farm and replicated variety trial yield datasets were analyzed and interpreted. Analyses suggest that yield productivity and genetic gain have occurred since 1980. Trends and factors associated with increased yield over this time period will be discussed.