U.S.: farmers to plant less corn and more soybean may impact feed costs in 2026

U.S. producers intent to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, 3% less than last year, while soy bean is projected to reach 84.7 million acres, increasing 4%, according to the Prospective Plantings report published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).

• Corn planted area is expected to decline in most states, with reduction in key producing regions such as Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas.
• Soybean planted area is projected to increase, with increases in Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
• Total wheat planted area is estimated at 43.8 million acres, 3% lower than 2025, including declines in winter, spring, and durum wheat.
• Cotton planted areas is expected to reach 9.64 million acres, increasing 4 compared the the previous year.

Grain stocks as of March 1 showed higher inventories throughout major crops.

• Corn stocks totaled 9.02 billion bushels, 11% higher than same time last year.
• Soybean stock reached 2.10 billion bushels, 10% higher than 2025.
• All wheat stocks totaled 1.30 billion bushels, increase of 5% compared to 2025.