Prospective Plantings Report Provides First Look at Acreage Intentions

By Faith Parum and John Newton

Key Takeaways

• Corn acreage declines from 2025 highs
  Farmers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2026, down 3% from last year’s elevated levels, reflecting tighter margins and higher fertilizer costs.

• Soybean acreage expands modestly
  Soybean plantings are expected to reach 84.7 million acres, up 4% year over year, supported by lower nitrogen requirements, strong domestic crush demand and crop rotation following large corn acreage in 2025.

• Market uncertainty could still shift final acreage decisions
  Planting intentions were surveyed in early March, and ongoing volatility in fertilizer markets, evolving export demand, particularly from China, and spring weather conditions may influence how acres are ultimately allocated.

USDA’s much-anticipated Prospective Plantings report, released on March 31, reveals farmers’ intentions for planted acreage for principal crops in 2026. Based on farmer responses to a survey conducted during the first two weeks of March, the report provides the first glimpse into how farmers are likely to allocate acres across major crops. Particular attention is on corn and soybean acreage this year after recent disruptions in fertilizer prices and availability following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on March 2. However, planting intentions may still shift in the weeks ahead as farmers continue to monitor fertilizer markets, weather conditions and evolving price signals.