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
Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.
November 25, 2025 02:51 PM
·
Tyson’s Nebraska plant closure and falling Cattle on Feed numbers send cattle markets tumbling. Analysts warn of tighter supplies, weak margins, and rising global competition.
November 25, 2025 12:05 PM
·
A regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture, prepared by RFD-TV Markets Specialist Tony St. James, for the week of Monday, November 24, 2025.
November 24, 2025 02:56 PM
·
According to November’s Cattle on Feed Report, Nebraska now leads the nation in cattle feeding as tighter supplies continue to reshape regional market power and long-term price dynamics.
November 24, 2025 11:47 AM
·
Lower U.S. and Mexican production means tighter sugar supplies and greater reliance on imports headed into 2026.
November 22, 2025 11:00 AM
·
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
November 21, 2025 02:13 PM
·
