U.S. Farmers Expected to Increase Soybean Acreage in 2026

CoBank analysis indicates soybeans will pull acres from corn, wheat and other crops due to stronger economic returns

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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According to a new report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, U.S. soybean acreage is projected to increase nearly 6% in 2026 as soybeans pull acres from multiple crops. The expansion of U.S. soy crush capacity and expectations of continued Chinese demand have lifted soybean prices to more attractive levels than competing crops. Meanwhile, total U.S. corn acreage is expected to decline by 4.8%, with wheat, grain sorghum, cotton and rice acreage also projected to fall.

Why it matters

The shift in crop acreage reflects the economic pressures facing U.S. farmers as they make critical planting decisions for the upcoming season. Factors like crop prices, production costs, export demand, and crop rotation needs are all influencing farmers' choices, with soybeans currently offering the best profit potential compared to other major crops.

The details

According to the CoBank report, soybean acreage is expected to increase by 5.9% to 86 million acres, with soybeans pulling acres from cotton, rice, corn, wheat and grain sorghum in various regions. Corn acreage is projected to decline by 4.8% to 94 million acres, as corn loses ground to soybeans in some areas but gains acres in the western states. Spring wheat, durum, grain sorghum, cotton and rice are all expected to see acreage declines as well, with factors like weaker yields, lower prices, and crop rotation needs driving the shifts.

  • The spring planting season is drawing near, and farmers are making critical decisions about which crops to plant.
  • CoBank's analysis and projections were released on February 17, 2026.

The players

CoBank

A cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America, including providing loans, leases, and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water, and communications providers.

Tanner Ehmke

The lead grains and oilseeds economist with CoBank.

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What they’re saying

“Following recent price rallies, soybeans offer greater profit potential than corn, wheat, sorghum, cotton and rice.”

— Tanner Ehmke, Lead grains and oilseeds economist (CoBank)

What’s next

The USDA is expected to release its March Prospective Plantings report, which could trigger further changes in farmers' acreage plans if it predicts a substantial decrease in wheat acres.

The takeaway

The projected shift towards more soybean acreage reflects the economic realities facing U.S. farmers, as they seek to maximize profits amid high production costs and volatile crop prices. The changes in crop mix could have ripple effects throughout the agricultural supply chain and rural communities.