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

CoBank analysis indicates soybean acreage will rise nearly 6% as farmers shift away from other crops

Published on Feb. 20, 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, with soybeans pulling acres from multiple crops like corn, wheat, grain sorghum, cotton and rice. 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, leading farmers to favor soybeans in their spring planting decisions.

Why it matters

The shift towards more soybean acres comes as U.S. farmers face low crop prices and high production costs, weighing heavily on their planting decisions for the upcoming season. The report provides insights into how regional factors and market dynamics will influence farmers' choices across major commodity crops in 2026.

The details

CoBank's analysis indicates U.S. soybean acreage will increase 5.9% over last year to reach 86 million acres as soybeans pull acres from a variety of crops. Soybean prices have performed better than most crops on expectations the EPA will announce a higher renewable volume obligation and that China will continue purchasing soybeans. In the South, soybeans will pull acres from cotton, rice and corn while wheat and corn in the Midwest and Central Plains will lose acres to soybeans. The outlier will be the Northern Plains where soybean basis remains under pressure from the loss of exports to China, causing farmers to favor more corn acres over soybeans.

  • The spring planting season is drawing near as farmers make critical decisions about which crops will offer the most favorable economic return.
  • CoBank's report provides U.S. planted acreage projections for the 2026 growing season.

The players

CoBank

A cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America, providing loans, leases, export financing 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

The takeaway

The projected increase in soybean acreage reflects how U.S. farmers are adapting their planting decisions to navigate the challenging economic environment, favoring crops with the most favorable profit potential despite ongoing market uncertainties.