Corn, Soybeans, Wheat: What Farmers Can Expect in 2026

In the latest edition of Agriculture By The Numbers from NDSU Extension, Crop Economist Frayne Olson breaks down USDA and FAPRI projections for 2026. Corn acres are projected to decline slightly with trendline yields, cutting total production and leaving ending stocks modestly lower. Average corn prices are expected to rise slightly to $4.10–$4.20 per bushel, with futures suggesting $4.53 per bushel. Soybean acres are projected to increase, with production near recent record levels. Ending stocks may shift slightly, with USDA forecasting a small rise and FAPRI a small drop, putting average prices around $10.30–$10.43 per bushel, slightly below current levels. Wheat production holds near current levels, while ending stocks fall modestly, lifting prices to $5.40–$5.76 per bushel, close to futures-based estimates.