Files
Abstract
Early season high winds and late season cool temperatures have worked together to limit the size of the High Plains cotton crop. Over the past 5 years, the High Plains2 has averaged 4.44 million bales produced each year. However, Plains Cotton Growers recently estimated the 2008 crop to be around 3.2 million bales (Wade). If these production numbers materialize, the 28% drop in production will have significant impacts on the regional economy. The purposes of this briefing paper are to: (1) estimate the impact of the cotton crop on the High Plains economy, and (2) estimate the impact of a smaller than average crop.