WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. farmers are shifting acres in 2026, with fewer corn and wheat acres and more soybeans and cotton, according to the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report. Corn planted area is estimated at 95.3 million acres, down 3 percent from last year, while soybean acreage is expected to rise 4 percent to 84.7 million acres.
The latest Prospective Plantings report (PDF Version) from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service shows a shift in acreage for 2026, with farmers planning to cut back on corn and wheat while increasing soybean and cotton acres.
USDA data shows corn acreage declines or holds steady across most major producing states, reflecting changing economics and rotation decisions. Soybean acres are increasing in key states, including Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska, signaling a shift toward crops with potentially lower input costs and different market opportunities.
Wheat acreage continues to contract. Total planted area is projected at 43.8 million acres, down 3 percent from 2025 and the lowest on record since 1919. Both winter and spring wheat acres are declining, including an 11 percent drop in durum wheat and a 6 percent decline in other spring wheat.
Cotton is moving in the opposite direction. Total planted area is expected to reach 9.64 million acres, up 4 percent from last year, with increases in major-producing states such as Texas and Georgia. However, American Pima acreage is projected to be lower.
These shifts reflect ongoing adjustments to input costs, crop prices, and regional conditions as producers position for the 2026 growing season.
The two key USDA reports, Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stocks, were released on Tuesday afternoon, providing analysts with long-awaited estimates of intended commodity acreage nationwide and older binned crops in storage from last season. Market reaction is already underway, as analysts begin breaking down the numbers in real time.
RFD NEWS Market Specialist Tony St. James was joined on Tuesday’s Market Day Report by StoneX Chief Commodities Economist Arlan Suderman to assess how the reports are impacting trade and market sentiment.
Corn Acres Decline and Wheat Acres Hit Historic Low
U.S. farmers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3 percent—or 3.45 million acres—from last year. Acreage is expected to be down or unchanged in 37 of the 48 estimating states, signaling a broad pullback in corn plantings heading into the growing season.
All wheat planted area is estimated at 43.8 million acres, down 3 percent from last year. If realized, this would mark the lowest wheat planted area on record since 1919.
- Winter wheat: 32.4 million acres, down 2 percent
- Hard Red Winter: 23.1 million acres
- Soft Red Winter: 5.79 million acres
- White Winter: 3.54 million acres
- Other spring wheat: 9.42 million acres, down 6 percent
- Hard Red Spring: 8.78 million acres
- Durum wheat: 1.95 million acres, down 11 percent
Soybean and Cotton Acres Move Higher
Soybean planted area is projected at 84.7 million acres, up 4 percent from 2025. Planted acreage is up or unchanged in 20 of the 29 estimating states, reflecting a shift toward soybeans as producers respond to market signals and input costs.
The total planted cotton area is expected to reach 9.64 million acres, up 4 percent from 2025.
- Upland cotton: 9.51 million acres, up 4 percent
- American Pima: 130,000 acres, down 8 percent
