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Corn Acreage Set to Surge in 2025

Mar 31, 2025
By Farms.com

USDA Reports Predict Significant Increase in Corn Plantings

As spring approaches, the agricultural sector is abuzz with expectations for the U.S. corn market. The USDA is set to release crucial reports on March 31, offering insights into the prospective plantings and grain stocks, which are crucial for gauging the spring-planted crop potential.

"Analysts have given themselves a wider-than-normal range of estimates at 4.1 million acres, with a high of 96.6 million," reported Karen Braun from Reuters, highlighting the variability and significance of the upcoming data.

This marks a potential 4.2% increase from last year, indicating a shift towards more extensive corn cultivation, possibly at the expense of soybeans and wheat.

According to survey-based estimates from entities like Farmers Business Network and Kluis/Successful Farming, U.S. farmers might plant up to 95.9 million acres of corn in 2025. These figures suggest a strategic reallocation of acreage, primarily from soybeans to corn, driven by market conditions and crop profitability.

The market is bracing for volatility when these reports are released, as historical data shows significant price movements on report days. Last year's bullish surprise, which estimated corn acres about 2 million acres lower than average, triggered a notable rise in corn futures.

With the USDA's prospective plantings and quarterly grain stocks report release imminent, stakeholders across the agricultural spectrum are watching closely. The outcome could reshape market dynamics and influence farming decisions across the United States.

To see what crops U.S. farmers planning to plant in 2025, check out this article here: https://www.farms.com/ag-industry-news/rising-costs-and-tariffs-lead-farmers-to-potentially-rethink-their-crop-choices-318.aspx 


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