Pre-harvest predictions and prescriptions for post-harvest quality require rapid, reproducible quantification of point-source fiber properties, i.e., fiber ‘shape' and ‘maturity' qualities. Examination of fiber-quality databases describing 14 genotypes grown in different environments and harvested and ginned by differing methods indicates strong potential for development of predictive fiber-quality models that incorporate environmental factors such as heat-unit accumulation, soil fertility, irrigation, and insolation. Patterns found in site-specific field maps can lead to both prescriptions for soil remediation and segregated harvesting of high and low quality fiber. Both producers and processors expect annual differences in fiber properties, but a two-week difference in planting date within a single growing season can modify micronaire and other important fiber properties in genotype-specific ways. Genotype, growth environment, and/or interactive effects of environment on genetic potential not only alter fiber properties but can also affect yarn strength and evenness and the color of both the undyed and dyed fiber. Indeed, growth environment modulated every fiber and yarn property examined. Strategies for improving cotton fiber quality clearly must incorporate the effects of growth environment on the genetic traits being introduced if intrinsic fiber quality is to be improved rationally. However, there is other vital information missing in the two-way communication between producer and processor, and industry-wide cooperation towards developing a coherent ‘language' and measurement system for intrinsic fiber quality is essential.