Virginia farmers weigh cotton’s tough economics ahead of 2026 planting season

Key points:

• Virginia’s cotton yield was estimated at 1,093 pounds per acre in 2025, which was 29 pounds below 2024.

• Cotton prices in mid‑2025 hovered around 65 cents per pound, a level Virginia growers described as "unprofitable" given high input costs.

• For 2026, an optimistic price range is 69–73 cents, while a pessimistic range is 61–66 cents.

• Heavy spring rainfall in 2025 prevented some Virginia farmers—especially in Southampton County—from planting all intended acres before the May 25 crop‑insurance deadline.

by Jeff Ishee

February 12, 2026 - Virginia growers considering cotton this spring face a far more complicated equation than simply soil temperature and planting windows. After two years of weak global demand and stubbornly high production costs, the economics of cotton remain the biggest factor shaping 2026 decisions.

Weak global textile demand and cheaper synthetic fibers (due to low oil prices) further pressured cotton’s competitiveness. Image credit - Mark Stebnicki

Cotton futures spent much of 2025 hovering well below breakeven for many Southeastern producers, squeezed between soft textile demand and large international stocks. At the same time, input costs—from fertilizer to fuel to labor—never retreated to pre‑inflation levels. For Virginia farmers, whose yields typically trail those of the Deep South, that margin pressure is even tighter.

Extension economists note that 2026 budgets still show cotton requiring some of the highest per‑acre investments of any row crop. Growers will be scrutinizing seed technology fees, herbicide programs, and picker costs, which remain elevated. Insurance premiums have also climbed, reflecting recent weather volatility across the Mid‑Atlantic region.

Rotation strategy is another key consideration. Many Georgia producers shifted acres to peanuts or corn in 2025 to escape cotton’s poor returns, and some Virginia growers may face similar choices. With corn and soybeans offering more predictable marketing opportunities, cotton must justify its place with strong yield potential on the farm’s best ground.

Marketing plans will matter as much as agronomy. Analysts urge growers to lock in favorable basis opportunities early and explore risk‑management tools that protect against further price dips.

As planting season approaches, Virginia farmers are running the numbers carefully. In 2026, cotton isn’t just a crop—it’s a calculated gamble in a tight farm economy.