US agricultural planting progress and costs

Live UpdatesLast updated MAY 13
SUMMARY

U.S. farmers have planted 57% of the nation's corn crop as of May 11, 2026, ahead of the five-year average, with Iowa farmers also ahead of pace for corn and soybeans. As of May 12, 2026, corn futures have risen to approximately $4.60 per bushel due to increased fertilizer and energy costs, while the USDA projects a season-average farm price of $4.40/bushel for 2026-2027. The USDA's May WASDE report forecasts a 2026-27 corn crop of 15.995 billion bushels, the second largest on record, with U.S. corn carryout at 1.957 billion bushels. Dry conditions and cooler temperatures in parts of the Midwest are raising concerns about crop development, despite strong corn export sales. Farmers intend to plant fewer corn acres but more soybean acres in 2026 due to tighter margins and rising input costs, including diesel prices.

Timeline

Want updates on this thread?

Track this story

Timeline of developments

May 2026 7 developments

  1. Iowa farmers are planting corn and soybeans at a pace ahead of the five-year average.

    Iowa farmers are planting corn and soybeans at a pace ahead of the five-year average. However, dry conditions and cooler temperatures in parts of the Midwest are raising concerns about crop development. Corn has led weekly export sales, while soybean sales have slowed, creating a mixed outlook for the agricultural sector.

  2. Corn futures have risen to around $4.

    Corn futures have risen to around $4.60 per bushel due to increased fertilizer and energy costs, alongside geopolitical events. The USDA projects a season-average farm price of $4.40/bushel for 2026-2027, while Iowa cash grain bids on May 11, 2026, ranged from $4.3025 to $4.4825. As of May 12, 2026, 57% of the U.S. corn crop is planted, ahead of schedule.

  3. U.S. farmers have planted 57% of the nation's corn crop as of May 11, 2026, surpassing the previous …

    U.S. farmers have planted 57% of the nation's corn crop as of May 11, 2026, surpassing the previous week's 38% and outpacing the five-year average. This accelerated progress is attributed to favorable weather conditions across much of the central U.S.

  4. The USDA's May WASDE report projects a 2026-27 corn crop of 15.

    The USDA's May WASDE report projects a 2026-27 corn crop of 15.995 billion bushels, which would be the second largest on record. The report forecasts U.S. corn carryout for 2026-27 at 1.957 billion bushels, with an estimated average farmgate price of $4.40 per bushel.

  5. US farmers have planted 38% of their corn crop and 33% of soybeans, with emergence rates at 13% for both, according to the latest USDA reports.

    US farmers have planted 38% of their corn crop and 33% of soybeans, with emergence rates at 13% for both, according to the latest USDA reports. Farmers intend to plant fewer corn acres but more soybean acres in 2026, citing tighter margins and fertilizer costs. Rising diesel prices are increasing hauling costs for corn farmers.

  6. As of early May 2026, U.

    As of early May 2026, U.S. farmers have planted 38% of the nation's corn crop, a pace on par with last year and slightly ahead of the five-year average. Variable weather has slowed progress in some Midwest areas, with Michigan experiencing significant delays. The USDA projects a slightly smaller corn crop for 2026, estimating 14.0 billion bushels due to lower forecasted area and yield.

  7. As of May 4, 2026, national corn planting has reached 38% completion, with 13% emerged, both ahead of the five-year average.

    As of May 4, 2026, national corn planting has reached 38% completion, with 13% emerged, both ahead of the five-year average. Recent USDA data shows a 21% increase in U.S. corn export sales from the previous week, with Mexico and China as leading destinations, and corn export inspections rose to 2.03 million metric tons for the week ending April 30, 2026.

April 2026 17 developments

  1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to increase the number of farmers surveyed for its k…

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to increase the number of farmers surveyed for its key crop reports to enhance data reliability. This decision follows criticism regarding past corn acreage estimates and a record-low response rate for the March 31 planting intentions report. The USDA is seeking approval to boost the sample size by 35% for the June 30 acreage report and other future reports.

  2. US farmers are progressing with the 2026 corn planting season, with southern states like Tennessee and Kentucky showing faster-than-average progress.

    US farmers are progressing with the 2026 corn planting season, with southern states like Tennessee and Kentucky showing faster-than-average progress. However, wet conditions are slowing planting in some Midwestern areas, such as Iowa, and Nebraska has planted about 8% of its corn acreage. High input costs remain a concern for farmers, with Nebraska producers expected to invest nearly $3.8 billion in the 2026 crop.

  3. An economist suggests corn prices are unlikely to see significant upward movement due to elevated in…

    An economist suggests corn prices are unlikely to see significant upward movement due to elevated inventories and potential overestimation in feed demand, describing the balance sheet as "a mess." This analysis comes as U.S. farmers are ahead of schedule on planting, and Brazil anticipates a record soybean harvest.

  4. Mississippi farmers plan to plant 630,000 acres of corn in 2026, a 31% decrease from the previous year due to falling commodity prices and rising production costs.

    Mississippi farmers plan to plant 630,000 acres of corn in 2026, a 31% decrease from the previous year due to falling commodity prices and rising production costs. Nationally, corn acreage is expected to drop slightly while soybean acreage is projected to increase. In Iowa, corn planting has reached 14% completion.

  5. As of April 20, 2026, U.

    As of April 20, 2026, U.S. farmers have planted 11% of the corn crop, ahead of the five-year average, and 12% of the soybean crop, significantly surpassing the five-year average. Brazil's soybean harvest is nearing completion at 92% harvested.

  6. As of April 19th, 11% of the 2026 U.

    As of April 19th, 11% of the 2026 U.S. corn crop is planted, exceeding the five-year average. Concerns are also being raised regarding the condition of the winter wheat crop, with only 30% rated good to excellent.

  7. The USDA's April WASDE report, released on April 17, 2026, indicated stable supplies for the 2025/26 marketing year but raised price projections for major crops.

    The USDA's April WASDE report, released on April 17, 2026, indicated stable supplies for the 2025/26 marketing year but raised price projections for major crops. Corn and soybean futures fell following the report, and the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating potential price fixing in the U.S. fertilizer industry.

  8. Rain has delayed fieldwork in parts of the Midwest and Plains, impacting the planting of the U.

    Rain has delayed fieldwork in parts of the Midwest and Plains, impacting the planting of the U.S. corn crop as of April 13, 2026. However, the rain also served to recharge soil moisture, while 5% of the U.S. corn has been planted.

  9. As of April 15, 2026, May corn futures increased to $4.

    As of April 15, 2026, May corn futures increased to $4.51 per bushel. Farmers are planning to plant approximately 95.338 million acres of corn and 84.7 million acres of soybeans in 2026, influenced by rising fertilizer prices and global competition.

  10. As of April 12, 2026, 5% of the U.

    As of April 12, 2026, 5% of the U.S. corn crop is planted, with Texas leading at 63% completion. The USDA now forecasts a 7% decrease in corn production for the 2026-2027 season, projecting 15.8 billion bushels, and anticipates the season-average corn price to rise to $4.20 per bushel.

  11. As of April 5, 2026, 3% of the US corn crop is planted, slightly ahead of the five-year average due to favorable field conditions.

    As of April 5, 2026, 3% of the US corn crop is planted, slightly ahead of the five-year average due to favorable field conditions. The USDA's Prospective Plantings report projects 95.3 million acres of corn for 2026, a 3% decrease from 2025, attributed to tighter profit margins and increased fertilizer costs.

  12. U.S. corn export inspections for the week ending April 2, 2026, exceeded 2 million metric tons, an i…

    U.S. corn export inspections for the week ending April 2, 2026, exceeded 2 million metric tons, an increase from the previous week and the prior year. Mexico and Japan were the primary destinations for these exports.

  13. Iowa producers are facing increased production costs for corn and soybeans in 2026, with corn costs up 4% and soybean costs up 2% compared to 2025.

    Iowa producers are facing increased production costs for corn and soybeans in 2026, with corn costs up 4% and soybean costs up 2% compared to 2025. These rising costs, coupled with projected market prices remaining below production costs, are limiting profit opportunities for farmers in the state.

  14. As of April 5, 2026, U.

    As of April 5, 2026, U.S. farmers have planted 2% of the nation's corn acreage, aligning with analyst expectations and the five-year average. Texas is leading planting progress at 59%.

  15. The USDA's weekly national crop progress and condition reports are scheduled to resume on Monday, April 6, 2026.

    The USDA's weekly national crop progress and condition reports are scheduled to resume on Monday, April 6, 2026. These reports will provide essential data on the status of U.S. agriculture.

  16. An eastern Nebraska farmer expressed concerns that current market conditions make it unfeasible to p…

    An eastern Nebraska farmer expressed concerns that current market conditions make it unfeasible to profit from soybeans and difficult to break even on corn, citing high fertilizer prices as a significant factor impacting profitability.

  17. Corn futures eased to $4.

    Corn futures eased to $4.5 per bushel, with some analysts expecting a rise to $5 per bushel if supplies tighten, influenced by Brazil's soybean harvest delays and Middle East fertilizer trade disruptions. Iowa corn prices are averaging $4.11 per bushel against an estimated production cost of $4.33.

March 2026 27 developments

  1. U.S. farmers plan to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, a 3% decrease from the previous year,…

    U.S. farmers plan to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, a 3% decrease from the previous year, while soybean acreage is expected to rise to 84.7 million acres, a 4% increase. These shifts are influenced by increased fertilizer and fuel costs due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, making soybeans more attractive. Corn stocks as of March 1, 2026, totaled 9.02 billion bushels, an 11% increase year-over-year, and soybean stocks rose 10% to 2.10 billion bushels.

  2. A survey indicates US farmers plan to plant 96.

    A survey indicates US farmers plan to plant 96.7 million acres of corn in the 2026/2027 season, a decrease attributed to rising input costs and softer commodity prices. This figure contrasts with the USDA's projected 94 million acres, while other industry estimates suggest slightly higher figures.

  3. The Renewable Fuels Association is advocating for year-round E15 availability to boost demand for U.

    The Renewable Fuels Association is advocating for year-round E15 availability to boost demand for U.S. corn and ethanol. This initiative aims to address the projected surplus of corn and potential price dips.

  4. Corn futures traded near 10-month highs of $4.

    Corn futures traded near 10-month highs of $4.67 per bushel as of March 26, 2026, driven by significant fund buying. The March 2026 WASDE report revealed a surprising increase in global corn ending stocks, signaling a deepening surplus.

  5. The USDA forecasts U.

    The USDA forecasts U.S. farmers will plant 94 million acres of corn in 2026, a decrease from 2025, due to economic challenges including a 16% rise in input costs and a 38% fall in cash corn prices since 2022, leading to a 15-year low in net farm income. The conflict in the Middle East has exacerbated these issues by disrupting fertilizer supply chains and increasing prices, placing further financial burdens on farmers who are facing negative returns for the fourth consecutive year.

  6. Iowa farmers face tight margins for 2026, with estimated production costs at $4.

    Iowa farmers face tight margins for 2026, with estimated production costs at $4.33 per bushel and average cash prices at $4.11. Corn prices saw a drop on March 23, 2026, to $460.56 USD per bushel, despite a general increase over the past month. The USDA's Prospective Plantings report, due March 31, 2026, is anticipated to provide insights into potential acreage shifts from corn to soybeans due to rising input costs and geopolitical instability.

  7. S&P Global Energy CERA projects U.

    S&P Global Energy CERA projects U.S. corn acreage to fall by 4% to 95.2 million acres in 2026 due to crop rotation needs and high production costs. Iowa State University forecasts a 4% increase in corn production costs for Iowa farmers, reaching $917 per acre, driven by higher fertilizer and chemical expenses. A USDA report on March 20, 2026, indicated a state average corn price of $4.23 per bushel in Iowa.

  8. Global corn production estimates have been adjusted, with Brazil's output increasing and Argentina's decreasing, while Brazil anticipates a record soybean crop.

    Global corn production estimates have been adjusted, with Brazil's output increasing and Argentina's decreasing, while Brazil anticipates a record soybean crop. In the U.S., the USDA projects lower corn plantings at 94 million acres for 2026, down from 98.8 million in 2025, with soybean plantings expected to rise to 85 million acres. These shifts are influenced by significant concerns over rising fertilizer costs.

  9. US corn exports are on pace for a record 3.

    US corn exports are on pace for a record 3.3 billion bushels in the 2025-26 marketing year, with Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Taiwan, and Spain leading increased purchases. Corn prices remain above $4 per bushel due to a 13.7% increase in feed usage, 3.7% in ethanol production, and 15.5% in exports in 2025. Iowa farmers face increased production costs for the 2026 season, with higher fertilizer and chemical expenses impacting profit margins.

  10. U.S. corn farmers are calling on the USDA and U.S. Attorney General for an update on investigations …

    U.S. corn farmers are calling on the USDA and U.S. Attorney General for an update on investigations into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, with concerns over rising nitrogen prices, some up $100 per ton. Additionally, factors such as increased demand are keeping corn prices above $4 per bushel despite a large crop, and the Prospective Plantings report is due March 31.

  11. The USDA forecasts a record 16.

    The USDA forecasts a record 16.7 billion bushels of corn harvest for the upcoming fall, resulting in an eight-year high in corn surplus and a six-year low in prices. The Renewable Fuels Association is urging the removal of regulatory barriers to boost corn and ethanol demand. This year's crop is nearly 2 billion bushels larger than the previous year's.

  12. The USDA's March WASDE report, released on March 10, 2026, indicates that U.

    The USDA's March WASDE report, released on March 10, 2026, indicates that U.S. ending stocks for corn, soybeans, and wheat remain unchanged. Corn ending stocks are steady at 2.127 billion bushels, soybeans at 350 million bushels, and wheat at 931 million bushels. The national average farm price estimates for corn were maintained at $4.10 per bushel, and for soybeans at $10.20 per bushel.

  13. The USDA projects lower corn plantings at 94 million acres and higher soybean plantings at 85 million acres for the 2026 season.

    The USDA projects lower corn plantings at 94 million acres and higher soybean plantings at 85 million acres for the 2026 season. Corn export sales for the week ending February 26 exceeded the prior four-week average, while soybean exports were down. Additionally, crop insurance prices for 2026 spring crops have been finalized, with corn at $4.62 per bushel and soybeans at $11.09 per bushel.

  14. US corn export inspections for the week ending March 5, 2026, totaled 59.

    US corn export inspections for the week ending March 5, 2026, totaled 59.7 million bushels, indicating strong momentum and exceeding the USDA's projected pace for the 2025-2026 marketing year. Meanwhile, US farmers preparing for the 2026 planting season are facing significant delays and higher prices for fertilizers due to Middle East tensions disrupting global supply chains.

  15. American farmers are facing significantly higher fertilizer costs due to the conflict near the Strai…

    American farmers are facing significantly higher fertilizer costs due to the conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, with urea prices rising nearly 30% between late February and early March. The American Farm Bureau Federation warns of a potential "shortfall in crops" if critical farm supplies remain inaccessible. This surge in prices impacts farmers who waited to secure supplies for the upcoming planting season.

  16. US farmers are facing soaring fertilizer prices and limited availability due to the escalating Middle East war, impacting their preparation for the 2026 spring planting season.

    US farmers are facing soaring fertilizer prices and limited availability due to the escalating Middle East war, impacting their preparation for the 2026 spring planting season. The American Farm Bureau Federation has urged the administration to protect global fertilizer shipments and suspend duties. Producers are navigating mixed weather and market pressures, with some cautiously purchasing machinery due to weak margins.

  17. Analysts anticipate minimal shifts in the upcoming USDA WASDE report for corn, soybean, and wheat ending stocks, with corn ending stocks projected around 2,131 million bushels.

    Analysts anticipate minimal shifts in the upcoming USDA WASDE report for corn, soybean, and wheat ending stocks, with corn ending stocks projected around 2,131 million bushels. The USDA's Risk Management Agency has set 2026 spring crop insurance prices at $4.62/bushel for corn and $11.09/bushel for soybeans. The war involving Iran is significantly disrupting global fertilizer markets, leading to soaring prices and limited availability for U.S. farmers, with shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz a major concern.

  18. Analysts are revising U.

    Analysts are revising U.S. corn acreage projections downwards due to the ongoing Middle East conflict and rising fertilizer costs. Dan Basse has lowered his corn planting estimate by one to one and a half million acres, now projecting approximately 93 to 93.5 million acres. Concurrently, his soybean acreage estimate has been increased to 86.5 or 87 million acres.

  19. The USDA's March WASDE report is set for release on March 10, with analysts anticipating minimal shifts in current marketing year ending stocks.

    The USDA's March WASDE report is set for release on March 10, with analysts anticipating minimal shifts in current marketing year ending stocks. Meanwhile, the American Farm Bureau Federation has urged President Trump to protect fertilizer shipments and suspend duties due to geopolitical tensions impacting supply chains. South American crop expectations, particularly Brazil's safrinha corn planting, are also being closely monitored as they progress at their slowest pace since 2022.

  20. A persistent wet weather pattern across the Eastern Corn Belt is expected to delay early planting for the 2026 season.

    A persistent wet weather pattern across the Eastern Corn Belt is expected to delay early planting for the 2026 season. Meteorologist Matt Griffin predicts that repeated rain events through March and April will keep fields too saturated for fieldwork, particularly east of Iowa. This active weather pattern continues to deliver frequent rainfall, making early fieldwork unlikely.

  21. Analysts warn that escalating Middle East tensions and soaring fertilizer prices could lead U.

    Analysts warn that escalating Middle East tensions and soaring fertilizer prices could lead U.S. farmers to reduce corn acreage for the 2026 season. An Iowa farmer is considering switching more acres to soybeans if nitrogen costs remain high, illustrating the potential impact on planting decisions. This situation is occurring amidst finalized 2026 crop insurance prices set by the USDA's Risk Management Agency.

  22. Analysts warn that escalating Middle East tensions and soaring fertilizer prices, with import hub prices rising from $516 to $683 per metric ton, could lead to reduced U.

    Analysts warn that escalating Middle East tensions and soaring fertilizer prices, with import hub prices rising from $516 to $683 per metric ton, could lead to reduced U.S. corn acreage. Private exporters reported significant corn sales of 125,000 metric tons to unknown destinations during the 2025/2026 marketing year. For the 2026 spring crop, corn prices are down 8 cents from the previous year, while soybean prices have increased by 55 cents.

  23. Analysts suggest that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East could shrink U.

    Analysts suggest that the prolonged conflict in the Middle East could shrink U.S. corn acreage due to soaring fertilizer and fuel prices. Farmers may alter crop choices and fertilizer applications as input costs rise, potentially impacting planting decisions for the upcoming season.

  24. The USDA's projected corn acreage for 2026 may be further reduced by a spike in fertilizer costs, which account for a significant portion of input expenses.

    The USDA's projected corn acreage for 2026 may be further reduced by a spike in fertilizer costs, which account for a significant portion of input expenses. Additionally, concerns about the accuracy of USDA reports and skepticism among farmers could impact participation in crucial acreage surveys. Market participants are also monitoring weather in South America and drought conditions in the U.S. Corn Belt, which could affect crop development and demand.

  25. The USDA reported a significant increase in U.

    The USDA reported a significant increase in U.S. corn export inspections for the week ending February 19th, with over two million tons inspected. Additionally, the USDA's export sales report for the week through February 26th showed a strong rebound in corn sales, totaling 79.7 million bushels, exceeding trade estimates and surpassing the prior four-week average. Cumulative corn sales for the 2025-26 marketing year are 31% ahead of last year's pace.

  26. The latest USDA export sales report shows a strong rebound in corn sales, exceeding trade estimates, while soybean and wheat sales were lower.

    The latest USDA export sales report shows a strong rebound in corn sales, exceeding trade estimates, while soybean and wheat sales were lower. Cash grain bids in Iowa on March 2, 2026, indicated mixed regional movements for corn and soybeans, with varying basis changes across locations.

  27. The USDA's Risk Management Agency has finalized crop insurance prices for 2026, setting corn at approximately $4.

    The USDA's Risk Management Agency has finalized crop insurance prices for 2026, setting corn at approximately $4.62 per bushel, soybeans at $11.09, and wheat at $6.19. These prices, determined by February futures, represent slight changes from spring 2025, with corn and wheat prices down while soybean prices increased. These figures will help establish crop insurance coverage levels for farmers.

February 2026 8 developments

  1. Despite projections of reduced corn acreage for 2026, some Mississippi farmers have begun planting as early as the last week of February due to warm and dry conditions.

    Despite projections of reduced corn acreage for 2026, some Mississippi farmers have begun planting as early as the last week of February due to warm and dry conditions. This early start contrasts with the overall trend, which is influenced by rising input costs for corn and a more favorable outlook for soybeans.

  2. The USDA projects U.

    The USDA projects U.S. farmers will plant 94 million acres of corn in 2026, a decrease from 98.8 million acres in 2025, and 85 million acres of soybeans, up from 81.2 million acres. The USDA's Grain and Oilseeds Outlook also forecasts a corn harvest of approximately 15.8 billion bushels for 2026.

  3. The USDA projects U.

    The USDA projects U.S. farmers will plant 94 million acres of corn and 85 million acres of soybeans in 2026, a decrease and increase respectively from 2025. The projected corn harvest is estimated at 15.755 billion bushels with stockpiles of 1.837 billion bushels. Farmer sentiment indicates narrow profit margins, with some stating it's difficult to make money on soybeans and only possible to break even on corn with extraordinary yields or price increases.

  4. The USDA projects U.

    The USDA projects U.S. farmers will plant 94 million acres of corn and 85 million acres of soybeans in 2026. This represents a decrease of 4.8 million acres for corn and an increase of 3.8 million acres for soybeans compared to 2025. The projected corn yield is 183 bushels per acre, a decrease from the previous year, leading to an estimated 7% decline in production.

  5. The USDA now projects that U.

    The USDA now projects that U.S. farmers will plant more soybeans and less corn in 2026. This projection indicates a shift away from corn, which was previously favored due to perceived break-even potential. The change in planting intentions comes amidst ongoing economic concerns in the agricultural sector.

  6. New-crop December 2026 corn futures were trading in a sideways pattern, testing a ceiling around $4.

    New-crop December 2026 corn futures were trading in a sideways pattern, testing a ceiling around $4.70 per bushel. Analysts suggested that market movements would depend on farmer planting intentions, weather, and export demand, with potential for price fluctuations.

  7. Analysts expected a reduction in corn acreage for 2026, given the current price relationship between soybeans and corn.

    Analysts expected a reduction in corn acreage for 2026, given the current price relationship between soybeans and corn. The USDA's February report indicated strong U.S. corn export demand, but also noted that 'there's just too much corn out there right now.'

  8. Economists predicted that U.

    Economists predicted that U.S. farmers would continue to favor corn acreage in 2026, despite shifting market signals. Scott Irwin, an agricultural economist, anticipated that growers would lean into growing corn once again, with the potential for more corn acres than previously thought.

December 2025 1 developments

  1. Preliminary USDA baseline estimates projected that U.

    Preliminary USDA baseline estimates projected that U.S. corn acreage would decline by 3.7 million acres to 95 million acres in 2026, with soybean plantings expected to increase. This marked a shift from 2025, when corn acres reached a record high and soybean planting slumped.

September 2025 2 developments

  1. A poll commissioned by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) revealed that a growing majority of U.

    A poll commissioned by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) revealed that a growing majority of U.S. corn farmers believed an economic crisis was imminent, with nearly half of respondents expecting a crisis. Farmers reported being 'very' or 'moderately' concerned about the farm economy, citing stagnating commodity prices and high input costs.

  2. American agricultural organizations raised alarms about deepening financial difficulties due to falling corn and soybean prices while production costs remained high.

    American agricultural organizations raised alarms about deepening financial difficulties due to falling corn and soybean prices while production costs remained high. The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reported an 'economic crisis hitting rural America,' with corn prices down over 50% from their 2022 peak. The American Soybean Association (ASA) warned of farmers being 'on the brink of a trade and financial abyss.'

April 2025 1 developments

  1. The USDA's Prospective Plantings report indicated that U.

    The USDA's Prospective Plantings report indicated that U.S. farmers intended to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2025, a 5.2% increase from the previous year. This figure was above most trade estimates and represented the third-highest planted corn acreage since 1944. The report also showed a decrease in soybean and cotton acreage, influenced by market conditions and trade tensions.

March 2025 2 developments

  1. The USDA's March Prospective Plantings report estimated that U.

    The USDA's March Prospective Plantings report estimated that U.S. farmers would plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2025, a 5% increase from 2024, exceeding trade expectations. Soybean acreage was projected to decrease by 4% to 83.5 million acres. This report confirmed a significant shift towards corn planting, with notable increases in southern states.

  2. U.S. farmers were planning to plant more corn and fewer soybeans in the spring of 2025, seeking to i…

    U.S. farmers were planning to plant more corn and fewer soybeans in the spring of 2025, seeking to improve profitability amidst dwindling revenues and an unstable world market. Economists noted that corn offered the best pathway to profit in 2025, with a Reuters poll forecasting corn plantings to rise and soybean plantings to fall.

February 2025 1 developments

  1. Analysts and seed industry feedback suggested that U.

    Analysts and seed industry feedback suggested that U.S. farmers intended to plant over 95 million acres of corn in 2025, a significant increase from the previous year. This projection was based on strong corn seed sales and a desire among farmers in regions like the Delta to switch from cotton and rice to corn.

March 2024 1 developments

  1. U.S. farmers intended to plant 90.0 million acres of corn in 2024, a 5% decrease from the previous y…

    U.S. farmers intended to plant 90.0 million acres of corn in 2024, a 5% decrease from the previous year, according to USDA's Prospective Plantings report. Soybean growers planned to plant 86.5 million acres, up 3% from 2023. This report provided the first official, survey-based estimates of U.S. farmers' planting intentions for 2024.

March 2023 1 developments

  1. According to the USDA's Prospective Plantings report, U.

    According to the USDA's Prospective Plantings report, U.S. farmers planned to plant 92.0 million acres of corn in 2023, an increase of 4% from the previous year. Soybean planted area was estimated at 87.5 million acres, a slight increase from 2022. The report, released by NASS, offered the initial survey-based estimates of farmers' planting intentions for the year.

March 2022 1 developments

  1. The USDA's Prospective Plantings report for 2022 indicated that U.

    The USDA's Prospective Plantings report for 2022 indicated that U.S. farmers intended to plant 89.5 million acres of corn, a decrease from 2021 and the lowest amount since 2018. In contrast, soybean planted acres were projected to reach a record 91 million acres. This report provided the first survey-based look at farmers' intentions for the year.

January 2022 1 developments

  1. Farm Futures projected that U.

    Farm Futures projected that U.S. growers would plant 90.4 million acres of corn in 2022, a decrease from the previous year, due to high input costs. The projection indicated that soybean acreage would be 92.4 million acres, surpassing corn for the third time in history. This shift was attributed to the need for less expensive production costs for soybeans compared to corn.

March 2020 1 developments

  1. In 2020, U.

    In 2020, U.S. farmers intended to plant 97.0 million acres of corn, an 8% increase from the previous year, according to the USDA's Prospective Plantings report. Soybean planted area was estimated at 83.5 million acres, up 10% from the prior year. This report, released by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), provided the first survey-based estimates of farmers' planting intentions for the year.