The bale assessment was established by state statute at the inception of the Cotton Research and Protection Council. The assessment rate is per bale of cotton produced in Arizona and is set each calendar year by the Council before July 1. Arizona has two assessment rates: cotton produced on land above 2700 in elevation and cotton produced on land 2700 feet or below. The Bale Assessment provides funding for programs to control cotton pests and diseases, aflatoxin control, and research on cotton production and protection.