Of the cotton producing areas in the U.S., the Texas High Plains has the distinction of being the most unpredictable in terms of quality of fiber produced from year to year. This is due to climatic variations associated with the high altitude and northern proximity of this region in the Cotton Belt.

Beginning with the 1980 crop year a study was initiated to determine the feasibility of utilizing a preharvest sampling technique to assess fiber quality of the High Plains cotton crop prior to harvest. In practice, 100-130 representative fields are chosen as sample sites from the ten most productive counties in late August. These fields are flagged, numbered, and Sampled 3-4 times at about two-week intervals beginning in early to mid-September, depending on the season. Production history is utilized in selecting counties and individual fields.