The 1998 American Upland crop was lower in quality from recent seasons for several quality factors. Classer color grades of 41/32 and higher at 80.1 percent were the lowest since the 78.8 percent of the 1994 crop. The classer leaf grade average rose to 3.3, the highest average leaf content in the crop since the separation of color and leaf occurred commencing with the 1993 crop. Mike average of 45 for the 1998 crop is the highest on record. The average staple of 34.3 is the shortest since 1983. The strength average of 28.0 grams per tex is the lowest since the 1992 crop. The American Pima percentage of Grade 3 and higher at 88 percent was lower than any of the past four crops. On the other hand, American Pima mike averaged 4.1, the highest of any of the past four crops. Pima length was a record 46.4, and strength was an all-time high of 39.4 grams per tex.