In its August crop report, USDA estimated a 2021-22 U.S. cotton crop of 17.26 million bales. Upland production was estimated at 16.89 million bales and extra-long staple, or ELS, production at 371,000 bales. This number came as a surprise to many in the cotton industry including Dr. Jody Campiche, Vice President of Economics and Policy Analysis for the National Cotton Council.