By John Perkins.

The USDA is projecting larger cotton and rice stocks in the coming marketing year.

New crop rice ending stocks are seen at 47.5 million hundredweight, with increased imports and decreased exports canceling out a decline in production, while old crop stocks were up slightly from April to 45 million hundredweight on demand adjustments. The average estimated 2024/25 farm price is $15.20 per hundredweight, a drop of $.40 on the month, with 2025/26 at $13.20.

New crop cotton ending stocks are pegged at 5.2 million bales, with USDA anticipating a bigger crop this year than last year, along with higher beginning stocks. Old crop cotton ending stocks saw a modest month-to-month cut on a rise in exports, with supply now at 4.8 million bales. The average estimated 2024/25 farm price is $.63 per pound, unchanged, with 2025/26 at $.62.

The new marketing year for cotton and rice gets underway August 1^st.

The USDA’s next round of supply and demand estimates is out June 12^th.

Published Date: May 13, 2025