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
Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
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