WOODSTOCK, Ill. (RFD NEWS) — Private acreage estimates point to a shift toward soybeans in 2026, offering an early look ahead of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prospective Plantings Report due March 31.
Allendale and Chief Economist Rich Nelson estimate corn planted area at 93.678 million acres, down about 5.1 million acres from 2025, while soybean acres are pegged at 85.659 million acres, up roughly 4.4 million acres. All wheat acres are projected to be slightly lower, at 44.877 million.
Allendale’s survey implies corn production near 15.693 billion bushels, about 62 million below USDA Ag Forum expectations, while soybean output near 4.528 billion bushels would run roughly 78 million above. Wheat production is estimated at 1.856 billion bushels, modestly below prior projections.
Regionally, analysts expect acreage shifts across the Midwest and Plains as growers balance input costs, relative price signals, and rotation needs heading into spring planting.
Looking ahead, markets will focus on the USDA’s March 31 Prospective Plantings report to confirm or adjust private estimates.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Acreage shifts could influence spring marketing decisions.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
February 09, 2026 12:05 PM
·
The EPA has approved over-the-top dicamba applications for the 2026 and 2027 growing seasons, outlining new rules that impact herbicide use for U.S. crop producers.
February 09, 2026 11:32 AM
·
Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.
February 09, 2026 10:45 AM
·
Seasonal price patterns can inform soybean marketing timing, particularly when harvest prices appear unusually strong or weak.
February 09, 2026 10:30 AM
·
Low prices are painful now, but production response could support stronger milk markets later in 2026.
February 09, 2026 10:25 AM
·
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
February 06, 2026 04:50 PM
·
