The acquisition would make the credit union one of Arizona's largest and give it a brick-and-mortar presence in Maricopa ...

Arizona cotton growers rank among the top three nationwide for yield, and grow some of the highest quality Pima cotton, which has a longer and softer fiber than the more popular upland cotton.

Climate was an easy, low-cost product to sell in Arizona's early years, before rising temperatures changed the landscape's health appeal.

Pima Federal Credit Union is set to expand its services following regulatory approval to acquire Republic Bank of Arizona.

Even as climate and committed farmers help AZ rank high for cotton, organic markets, seed production and tech innovation could be the crop's future.