By Jamie Martin
In a major planting shift for 2025, U.S. farmers plan to grow 95.3 million acres of corn, a 5% increase from last year. This rise is noted in most states, especially Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and South Dakota. States like South Dakota and North Dakota could see record-breaking corn planting.
However, soybean planting is expected to drop by 4%, with 83.5 million acres planned. Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, and the Dakotas are reducing soybean acreage. Meanwhile, New York and Ohio may hit new highs in soybean planting.
Wheat planting is also on the decline. Farmers plan to plant 45.4 million acres, down 2%. Winter wheat is estimated at 33.3 million acres, and spring wheat at 10.0 million acres, both showing decreases. Durum wheat will likely fall to 2.02 million acres.
Cotton growers are planning for the lowest acreage in recent years—9.87 million acres, down 12% from 2024.
The USDA’s Grain Stocks report gives more insights. Corn stocks are down 2%, now at 8.15 billion bushels, with on-farm corn stocks down by 11%. Soybean stocks increased by 4%, and wheat stocks rose by 14%. Durum wheat stocks went up by 6%, with notable differences between on-farm and off-farm totals.
These numbers come from nearly 74,000 farmer surveys conducted in early March. The USDA will host a Spring Data Users’ Meeting on April 29, and a live #StatChat will happen today with NASS Chair Lance Honig on X at 1:30 p.m. EDT.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National