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U.S. Cotton quality

task force paves path

to zero contamination

Producing and delivering quality fiber is the U.S. testing of new seed varieties.
cotton industry’s highest priority. Cotton USA aim to
deliver exactly what you order every single time. High During the harvest, U.S. cotton producers focus on
quality cotton fiber does not happen by chance. Both removing the open white bolls from the plant at their
quality and yield are greatly influenced by a peak of maturity, quickly getting the seed cotton from
producer’s seed selection, as well as cotton the field to a gin and then the resulting ginned lint
production, harvesting, and ginning practices. This into a well-protected bale. This ensures preservation
commitment to quality is why Cotton USA created a of the fiber’s quality for textile manufacturing
special “Quality Task Force” many years ago. customers. And the gin’s electronic control systems AD
monitor moisture, color, air and material flow to
The Mission of the Task Force improve productivity and fiber quality.
The Quality Task Force meets regularly to discuss a
wide range of topics, including improvements in fiber Quality In, Quality Out
quality measurement, fiber quality preservation, loan The U.S. cotton industry works to grow the highest
premiums and discounts and more. It is comprised quality, cleanest fiber in the world in the most
of industry leaders from every segment—from cotton sustainable manner. And Cotton USA’s assessment
producers and ginners to fiber merchants and of the 2016 U.S. cotton crop showed that the task
marketing cooperative officials and textile force is having an impact in five keys ways:
manufacturers. The mission of the task force’s is 1- 90 percent of U.S. crop had color of 41 or better
simple: contamination-free U.S cotton in order to and 71 percent had a color of 31 or better.
increase the efficient use and performance in the 2- U.S. cotton had 18 percent fewer non-repairable
textile mill. However, simple does not mean easy. It defects than other cottons. Because U.S. cotton
means diligent enhancement of best-in-class seed, is cleaner, spinning efficiency has improved by
production, harvesting and ginning. And, the mission three percent, which saves money on cleaning costs.
of Cotton USA is driven by a strong belief that 3- The average staple for upland cotton in the United
consistent, high quality is what sets U.S. cotton apart States was 36.3 -- a new U.S. record.
from other cotton growths. 4- Average length uniformity for the 2016 crop was
81.3 while 76.3 percent of the 2016 crop had a
The U.S. Cotton Difference uniformity index of 80.3 or higher.
Much time and resources are put toward to 5- There was a significant increase in cotton
maximizing fiber quality, and Cotton USA pride there considered high quality across all U.S. growing
selves in their ongoing efforts to improve the fiber’s regions. That is 31 color with a 3 leaf, 35 with a
quality characteristics of strength, length and 3.5-4.9 mic with no extraneous matter.
uniformity. It starts with the producer’s seed selection
and extends through the growing season, as well as The bottom line is that the U.S. cotton industry is
during harvesting and ginning. The United States is proud of the progress that Cotton USA has made
the world’s largest breeding ground for new and that Cotton USA is setting the bar for higher
cottonseed innovation. Cotton USA collaborates with standards. You have Cotton USA pledge to
scientists from universities, private enterprise and the continuously produce the longest, strongest, most
U.S. cotton industry on the development of and uniform and sustainable fiber every day!

November/December 2017