“King Cotton” once ruled the agriculture scene in Alabama with over 4 million acres devoted to the plant. But due to disease and the development of other crops, Alabama farmers now
devote only 1.3 million acres to the plant.
That’s still plenty for us to enjoy looking at this time of year.
Alabama cotton exports account for $126.5 million each year, and
is grown in 59 of Alabama’s 67 counties.
For every $40 pair of bluejeans sold, the cotton farmer gets a share of $1.46.
For a $14 terry cloth bath towel, the farmer makes 45 cents.
One bale of cotton can produce 8,000 men’s handkerchiefs, 850 ladies blouses,
3,000 diapers, and 1,200 pillowcases.
| Rank | Country | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Â China |
6,377,00 | 5,970,000 | 6,588,950 |
| 2 |  Â India |
4,083,400 | 5,683,000 | 5,984,000 |
| 3 |  Â United States |
2,653,520 | 3,941,700 | 3,412,550 |
| 4 |  Â Pakistan |
2,111,400 | 1,869,000 | 2,312,000 |
| 5 |  Â Brazil |
956,189 | 973,449 | 1,673,337 |
| 6 |  Â Uzbekistan |
1,128,200 | 1,136,120 | 983,400 |
| 7 |  Â Turkey |
638,250 | 816,705 | 954,600 |
| 8 |  Â Australia |
329,000 | 386,800 | 843,572 |
| 9 |  Â Turkmenistan |
220,100 | 330,000 | 330,000 |
| 10 |  Â Argentina |
135,000 | 230,000 | 295,000 |
| – | World | 19,848,921 | 22,714,154 | 24,941,738 |
| Source: UN Food & Agriculture Organization [44] | ||||
China wins.
This photo is a bit hazy due to the bright sun, but the cotton was planted in a field beneath rows of pecan trees. It was absolutely beautiful and I hope there is always something pretty growing here, not another subdivision. Yes, that happens here too.
If you want to read my post about the dreaded Boll Weevil that seemingly wrecked the cotton crops, but unknowingly brought great riches to those in this part of the country, click here to read, “Peanuts and a Bible Story.”
Then, go out and buy something made in the USA from cotton.
All cotton farmers thank you.
Hard labor for so little return. I’ve always loved historical novels about the old days where cotton was king. My father and his brothers spent their share of time growing up picking cotton. It was not a fun job.
Beautiful! It is wonderful to see a field full of cotton from the air. One thinks it is snow at first but no it is a field full of cotton. I miss seeing the cotton on Alabama. Thanks for sharing.
Patty at Home and Lifestyle Design
I love me some cotton! Especially good cotton clothing, nothing else can compare! Thanks for sharing with us what a tiny bit the farmer makes, yet he is essential to the process.
I’m so glad you posted these photos! I’ve wanted to stop and photograph the fields, but I didn’t want to get in any trouble. One of these days I’m going to get brave, pull over and on 104 and get me some donkey pictures.
I know exactly which tiny little miniature donkeys you’re talking about. They are so cute! I’m just afraid of being hit by a car there! ZOOM!
Members of my family used to grow cotton. I love seeing it in bloom. Thanks for sharing. I try to buy cotton when I buy. xo
P. S. I was in Fairhope this summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. So beautiful.
Oh, it’s even prettier when the weather’s cooler. So glad you liked it. Come back sometime and let me know when you are here!
I grew up by dirt roads that were flanked by fields of cotton. I still drive down paved roads flanked by fields of cotton so not much has changed.
Bonjour,
Je suis heureuse d’avoir poussé la porte de votre blog… une très jolie publication.
Vos photos de champs de coton sont fantastiques et fascinantes.
Gros bisous
Vous remercier autant de pour visiter ce blog. Je suis content que vous aimez que les photographies de coton et espère que vous passez se lire plus un autre temps.
Hope
I just love it under the blue skies.
Beautiful photos ….
I love driving down Highway 61 through the Mississippi Delta this time of the year