1.   If farmers shift to plant more corn and wheat to take advantage of the high prices, cotton acreage could decline, boosting prices.

2.   In Matagorda County, cotton acreage has passed rice and the crop looks excellent, said county agent James Engbrock of Bay City.

3.   The program was begun in the two regions after farmers with a majority of the cotton acreage voted in favor of it.

4.   Delta and Pine said increased cotton acreage has led to a decline in soybean seed sales in the South, but the company has not reduced soybean prices.

5.   In addition, The National Cotton Council and two independent cotton merchants have forecast an increase in cotton acreage this year over last, the company said.

6.   The company said bad weather during the spring planting season reduced cotton acreage, and many customers bought seed earlier in the year than expected.

7.   The company said in a statement that forecasts are difficult because actual planted cotton acreage can vary widely depending on weather, commodity prices and governmental programs.