Record Peanut Crop Leaves Market Searching for Direction

Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. peanut growers enter 2026 facing abundant supplies after record production in 2025, with acreage, output, and ending stocks all pointing to continued market pressure. USDA data show peanut planted area reached 1.95 million acres last year — the highest since 1991 — driven largely by expanded acreage in Georgia and Texas.

National peanut yields averaged 3,767 pounds per acre, modestly higher than 2024 but below the five-year average. Georgia posted stronger year-over-year yields, while Texas recorded its lowest state yield since the mid-1990s, partially offsetting gains elsewhere. Despite mixed yields, total U.S. peanut production reached an estimated 3.59 million tons, up 11 percent and narrowly setting a new record.

Demand is expected to grow in the 2025-26 marketing year, but not fast enough to absorb the larger crop. USDA projects peanut disappearance rising 6 percent, while ending stocks are forecast to climb 24 percent, keeping downward pressure on prices.

Looking ahead, competing crops offer little relief. Corn and cotton prices remain soft, suggesting peanut acreage could stay elevated in 2026 despite heavier supplies.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong supplies and rising stocks point to continued price pressure unless demand accelerates.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.
U.S. sugar producers and processors should brace for price pressure and challenging export logistics with global sugar supply ramping up — driven by Brazil, India, and Thailand — especially at the raw processing level.
Livestock profits are propping up overall sentiment, but crop producers remain cautious amid tight margins and uncertain policy signals.
RaboResearch says China’s pivot from mass production to innovation-driven growth could reshape global pesticide supply chains — and influence prices and product access for U.S. farmers in the coming years.
Recent U.S.–China trade developments provided a small lift for soy markets, though most traders are waiting for concrete purchase data before making major moves.
Expect modest relief on several produce lines, mixed protein trends into holiday buying, and softer veg-oil costs — a good week to sharpen forward buys selectively.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Bigger cows must wean proportionally heavier calves to justify higher ownership costs.
Improving consumer confidence supports baseline food and fuel demand, but cautious spending limits upside potential for ag markets in 2026.
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
Cotton demand depends on demonstrating performance and reliability buyers can rely on, not messaging alone.
Shaun Haney, Host of RealAg Radio on Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147, joined us with his 2026 cattle market outlook and insights on beef prices.
Farmer Bridge Assistance payments provide immediate balance-sheet support heading into 2026, but remain a short-term bridge rather than a substitute for long-term market recovery.