Declining corn acreage and rising soybean acreage in the US could impact feed costs in 2026

In 2026, American farmers plan to reduce corn acreage while simultaneously increasing soybean plantings, which could potentially impact feed costs. According to the Prospective Plantings report published by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), corn acreage will reach 95.3 million acres, down 3% from last year, while soybean acreage will reach 84.7 million acres, up 4%.

A decrease in corn acreage is expected in most states, including key production regions—Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas. Meanwhile, soybean acreage is projected to expand in several states, including Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Total wheat acreage is estimated at 43.8 million acres, a 3% decrease from the 2025 level. This decrease affects all categories—winter, spring, and durum wheat. Cotton acreage, on the other hand, is expected to increase to 9.64 million acres, a 4% increase year-over-year.

As of March 1, inventories of major grain crops increased. Corn stocks totaled 9.02 billion bushels, an 11% increase from the same period last year. Soybean stocks reached 2.10 billion bushels (up 10% from 2025), and total wheat stocks increased by 5% to 1.30 billion bushels.

The redistribution of crop areas and the increase in carryover stocks create the preconditions for a change in the price situation in the grain and feed markets in 2026.

Tags: soybean, USA, compound feed, corn