USDA says cotton planting under way in four states WASHINGTON, April 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture said cotton planting had begun appreciably in four of the major cotton-growing states. The weekly crop report issued Monday said corn acreage was 30 percent of the anticipated cotton acreage in Arizona had been planted. Planting was also 13 percent done in California, 8 percent done in Texas and 1 percent done in Alabama, the report said. Rice and oat planting also is under way with 17 percent of anticipated rice acreage planted, compared to a five-year average of 20 percent for this week of the year. Farmers report 35 percent of the anticipated oat acreage is planted compared to a historic average of 41 percent for this week of the year. The weekly crop progress report said farmers are reporting 10 percent of the winter wheat crop is in poor or very poor condition with 29 percent reported as fair, 47 percent reported as good and 14 percent reported as excellent.