The 1999 American Upland crop was higher in quality for several quality factors. Classer color grades of 41/32 and higher at 91.1 percent were the highest since the separation of color and leaf in 1993. The classer leaf grade average dropped to 2.8, the lowest leaf content since color and leaf were separated in 1993. Extraneous matter, namely bark and grass, were at the lowest percentage levels in over 35 years. The percentage of bark was only 1.7 percent, down from 3.7 percent a year ago. The percentage of grass dropped to .8 percent, down from 1.4 percent for the 1998 crop.

The micronaire average for the U.S. crop remained at a high level of 4.5 for the second consecutive season. The strength average for the U.S. crop increased slightly from 28.0 in 1998 to 28.3 in 1999. The staple length average dropped again to 34.1 thirty-seconds down from 34.3 in 1998 and 35.1 in 1997. The shorter staple length attracted industry attention. All classing offices territories averaged lower except for Corpus Christi and Florence. Length uniformity averaged 81.4 for the fourth consecutive season.

The percentage of American Pima, Grade 3 and higher at 99.6 percent was at an all-time high. The Pima mike average dropped to 38, the lowest since the 38 average for the 1995 crop. Pima staple length dropped back to a 46.0 average down from 46.4 in 1998 but higher than other recent years. The Pima strength average was at an all-time high of 40.0 grams per tex.