Decoupling color grade and leaf grade allows the cotton market to clearly indicate the independent value of the two factors. The primary purpose of this change was to decrease the incentive for producers to expect gins to "overclean" cotton. Generally, the highest value to the producer is realized when only enough cleaning is used to match the leaf grade to the color grade. Large value reductions due to preparation, bark, and grass discourage reduced lint cleaning and our inability to accurately predict their frequency. A computer drive, automatic process control system which is being tested in two commercial gins promises to maximize bale value by continuously evaluating the quality potential of seed cotton and controlling driers and cleaners.