Feb 22, 2022
Brazil Increased Cotton Acreage 12% in 2021/22
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Cotton producers in Brazil increased their 2021/22 acreage due to attractive cotton prices.
Brazil is expected to plant 1.53 million hectares of cotton in 2021/22 (3.7 million acres) or an increase of 12.1% compared to last year.
The two largest cotton producing states in Brazil are Mato Grosso and Bahia. Farmers in the state of Mato Grosso are expected to plant 1.09 million hectares of cotton (2.69 million acres), which is an increase of 13.7% compared to last year. Mato Grosso accounts for approximately 71% of Brazil's cotton acreage.
The cotton in Mato Grosso is planted in January and February after the first crop of soybeans are harvested. Farmers who intend to plant a second crop of cotton plant early maturing soybeans as soon as the soybean-free period ends on September 15th. Those soybeans can then be harvested in January allowing enough time to plant cotton. Safrinha cotton in Mato Grosso usually competes with safrinha corn fort acreage.
Farmers in the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil have completed their 2021/22 cotton planting and they planted 306,375 hectares (756,700 acres) according to the Bahia Cotton Producers Association (Abapa). This represents an increase of 15% compared to last year's acreage and accounts for approximately 24% of Brazil's cotton acreage.
Cotton in Bahia is usually planted in December and January and it is the only crop planted in the field during the growing season. The growing season is generally shorter in northeastern Brazil making it difficult to double crop cotton after another crop. Cotton in Bahia usually competes with soybeans for acreage.