Farmers across the United States plan to reduce corn acreage and increase soybean planting in 2026, according to a March 31 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
The Prospective Plantings report is important because it provides the first official look at how much land farmers intend to use for major crops this year. These estimates help guide decisions for producers, markets, and policymakers.
NASS said that surveyed producers expect to plant 95.3 million acres of corn, which would be a three percent decrease from last year. The reduction is expected in most states, with significant decreases projected in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In contrast, Nevada and Washington could see record-high corn acreage if intentions are realized. Soybean growers plan to plant about 84.7 million acres—a four percent increase—with large increases expected in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin; Wisconsin may reach a record high.
Other findings include an estimated total wheat planted area of 43.8 million acres—down three percent from last year—and cotton acreage expected at 9.64 million acres (up four percent). The Grain Stocks report showed that as of March 1: corn stocks were up eleven percent compared to last year; soybeans stored increased by ten percent; all wheat stored rose five percent; and durum wheat storage was up twenty-one percent over the previous year.
Both reports are available on the NASS website for public review. The Spring Data Users’ Meeting will take place on April 22 both virtually and in Kansas City for those interested in further discussion or analysis.
Broader efforts supporting agricultural innovation continue as well: “These grant programs provide opportunities for communities and businesses to develop innovative uses and markets for wood, a renewable and economic resource. Previous Wood Innovations Grants are making a difference across the country, and we are pleased to continue supporting wood use ingenuity that helps our communities and forests,” Forest Service Chief Randy Moore said according to the press release.
