Why are soybeans projected to have the lowest acres in several years?

While corn saw a big boost in this month’s WASDE report, soybeans are looking at the lowest acres in several years.

Market analyst Brian Hoops explains why.

“On the flip side, because we planted more corn acres, you had less soybean acres planted; the smallest soybean acres since 2019. Even though you had a new record yield for soybeans, the smaller harvested acres took away over 150 million bushels of supply, a pretty sizable amount, and we pushed sharply higher. Now the question is, where do we go from here?”

A social media post this week by President Trump sent waves through the soybean market. He urged China to return to the buying table, but it is a move many analysts feel is unlikely to happen.

Related Stories
The ag trade deficit is narrowing, but export competition remains strong.
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.
Acreage shifts could influence spring marketing decisions.
Corn and sorghum exports continue outperforming soybeans.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain disruptions, rising costs, and the potential impact on agriculture as farmers navigate ongoing global uncertainty.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
A slimmed-down Farm Bill is back on the table in Washington, with lawmakers pushing for a deal by Fall 2025. Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas weighs in with his outlook.
Foreign trade partners, such as China and the European Union, are still purchasing U.S. commodities, but are becoming more cautious as the Trump Administration’s tariff deadline approaches in August.
Demand for farm loans surged in the first quarter of the year, topping the previous record set in 2016.
Congress is seeking insight from meteorologists and weather researchers on how new technology can enhance safety and response times to severe weather and prevent future disasters.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer says the labor program will now be fully under her department, and consolidation will make the program more affordable and efficient for farmers and ranchers.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.