By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Cotton plays an important role in Texas and national economies, and World Cotton Day celebrates the crop’s impact.

Recognized annually on Oct. 7, World Cotton Day highlights the importance of cotton as a natural fiber and agricultural commodity and recognizes the millions of people around the world whose lives are connected to the cotton industry.

Texas is the nation’s largest cotton-producing state.

In 2026, Texas farmers planted an estimated 5.4 million acres of cotton, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Cotton contributes more than $2.8 billion annually to the Texas economy.

“Texas cotton farmers are dedicated to producing a quality crop, even when conditions are challenging,” said Brant Wilbourn, Texas Farm Bureau associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities. “Drought, heat and other weather extremes can make a difficult job even harder, but our farmers continue to adapt and make the best decisions they can for their operations.”

Cotton is grown across many regions of Texas. Farmers in each region face different weather conditions, from drought to flooding.

Drought and triple-digit temperatures put pressure on farmers in the South Plains this year.

“Growing cotton takes dedication, especially in years when conditions don’t cooperate,” Wilbourn said.

Cotton also stands apart from many agricultural commodities because it produces both fiber and food. The natural fiber is used in clothing, home furnishings and other everyday products, while cottonseed can be processed into oil for human consumption and used in livestock feed.

About World Cotton Day

World Cotton Day provides an opportunity to recognize everyone involved in the cotton supply chain, from farmers and ginners to manufacturers and consumers, and to highlight the important role cotton continues to play in Texas agriculture and rural communities.

Learn more about World Cotton Day at worldcottonday.com.

Click here to learn how cotton is harvested on Texas farms.

And test your cotton knowledge with the TFB Cotton Connection publication.