Optimizing Production Systems, Market and Policy Analysis for Cotton and Other Natural Fibers
Purpose
To provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary and systems-oriented cotton research and education programs focusing on all aspects of the modern cotton industry, including genomics, genetics, production, processing from field to fabric, development of high value-added bioproducts from fibers and seed, marketing, and international trade. Recent technological advances in textile production and strong competition with a wide array of man-made fibers lead to an ever moving fiber quality profile target. This effort is aimed at:
- Continuing to improve yield, quality and stress tolerance through genetic enhancement
- Increasing production efficiency and demand for cotton-based bioproducts and byproducts
- Continuing to assess marketing, policy and international trade opportunities and implications
Relevance
During the 2009-10 crop year, 55.6 percent of the cotton acreage planted in the United States was planted in Texas. This represented about 40 percent of the total U.S. upland cotton production. In the coming years at least 50 percent of U.S. cotton production will be in Texas, elevating Texas to an unprecedented level of national dominance. During the same crop year about 3 million bales were classified in the Lubbock and Lamesa classing offices, representing 24.6 percent of national production and 67 percent of the production in Texas. Collectively, Texas Tech and Texas A&M have the expertise to expand the program in market and policy analysis of natural fibers that will greatly benefit U.S. industries and policy makers by providing relevant information about the changing landscapes of the market. Research proposed is aimed at developing new information and technologies to increase cotton and textile production efficiencies, reduce costs through the processing chain, increase market share and transparency, and improve the U.S. industry’s global competitiveness.
Accomplishments/Impacts
- Increased Gross Margin. Determined that adoption of indeterminate picker cotton varieties over determinate stripper cotton varieties can increase cotton producers’ gross margin by over $145 per acre
- Enhanced Profitability. Found that proper management of plant density and irrigation can potentially conserve water and increase cotton micronaire, and enhance profitability by approximately $37 million for High Plains cotton industry
- Crop Insurance Review. A comprehensive review of crop insurance programs for cotton was completed and delivered to the Board of Directors of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, Risk Management Agency – USDA, and the National Cotton Council
- Global Projection. World cotton production and mill use is projected to increase by some 25 million bales in the next 10 years with trade increasing by about 20 million bales and world prices declining 1-3 cents/lb. below 2008/09 levels. U.S. share of world cotton exports is projected to decrease from 39 percent to 27 percent over the next 10 years
- Fiber Measurement. Developed instruments for rapid measurement of fabric smoothness, stain release, and fabric shrinkage. The manufacture and sale of these instruments could generate $5-$10 million annually in economic activity, while the savings in testing costs and contractual disputes could amount to $10-$20 million annually
Lead Agency: Texas Tech University
Partners: USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Texas A&M University