I heard on the news today that the price of cotton is going down but they are not lowering prices to keep us in the dark. Anyone else hear about this? Is it true?

I haven't heard that but would be nice

I heard the same, hopefully prices will come down soon

Well It is down from its historical high of over 2.00 per pound raw unprocessed but if you want a look at the real market data
check out the link. FYI when it reads 180.00 that is $1.80 per pound. Just a few years back the going rate was from .68 - .85 per pound.
http://futures.tradingcharts.com/hist_CT.html

lower prices would be great.

Don't count on the prices going back down.

Yes, I heard that too!!!

It amazes me that you can buy things cheaper than you can make. Something is wrong with that picture. Granted we don't count the cost of our time when we say these things.

I am so glad to hear a thoughtful (and therefore critical voice).
Over time, I have seen many comments on the pricing of cotton. Most of them start with statements to the effect that the cotton production is down or insufficient for the current demand.

Why believe this when there is information to the contrary to be found all over the Internet. I am not talking about blogs. I am talking about the OFFICIAL government numbers on the cotton productions in the major producing countries (China 24 %, USA 21 %, India 16 %).

In the recent decades the productions in all countries have increased due to improved seeds, faster growing times and automation.
The cotton production for the 2010/2011 season is UP (NOT down!!!). Demand is also up. But according to the Chinese cotton growing associations the market has already more than adjusted to that demand.

See also this article if you prefer US information: http://westernfarmpress.com/cotton/g...-market-prices

Here is an excerpt:
"World cotton production in 2010/11 is forecast at 115.5 million bales, up 14 percent from a year earlier, as producers respond to strong market prices for the fiber. Production in major cotton producing countries, such as Australia, Brazil, and India is expected to rise to record highs, and, in others, the 2010/11 crop is estimated at levels not attained in recent years.
• World 2010/11 cotton trade to surge due to robust Chinese demand."

Please do not believe everything a very 'convincing' sales force tells you. They get people to act on premises that are all but true! We all MUST get used to checking ALL facts.

Again, there will be people saying that believing is friendlier than checking...
My response: You are going to pay for that.