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
Expect choppier basis and wider bids — hedge earlier, keep logistics flexible, and watch Argentina and India headlines for near-term opportunities.
October 14, 2025 12:37 PM
·
Even in this strong market, some beef producers are leaving money on the table by not following proven marketing practices.
October 14, 2025 12:03 PM
·
New U.S. fees on Chinese-owned and built ships took effect overnight, marking the latest escalation in maritime trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.
October 14, 2025 11:33 AM
·
President Trump is expected to press Argentina to take a tougher stance on China in exchange for political and economic support.
October 14, 2025 11:12 AM
·
Treat storage as risk management and logistics, and budget to break even since export growth is unlikely to absorb bigger U.S. corn and soybean crops.
October 13, 2025 04:34 PM
·
Better yield measurement means fairer grids, more precise breeding targets, and more dollars for truly efficient cattle.
October 13, 2025 10:45 AM
·
