The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects that in the 2025/2026 planting season, U.S. farmers will allocate more acreage to corn and wheat, while reducing soybean plantings. Specifically, corn acreage is expected to rise by 4.2% to 94.55 million acres, and wheat acreage is anticipated to increase by 2% to 47 million acres. In contrast, soybean acreage is forecasted to decrease by 3.6% to 84 million acres.

This shift is largely driven by the relative profitability of corn compared to other crops. Despite challenging price environments for major crops, corn is seen as a more stable option, partly because it is less reliant on exports than soybeans, which are highly sensitive to trade tensions, particularly with China. Farmers are adjusting their planting decisions to minimize potential losses in this uncertain economic climate.

Additionally, market dynamics and trade policies are influencing these planting decisions. The USDA’s projections come amid ongoing trade tensions and potential tariff implementations, which could impact export demand for certain crops. Farmers are closely monitoring these developments as they finalize their planting strategies for the upcoming season.

Reference:

USDA Forecasts More Corn and Wheat, Fewer Soybean Acres for 2025/2026