Plotting a Course-Planning Prices for ’26

NDSU Extension released its projected 2026 commodity prices for planning. Extension Farm Management Specialist Ron Haugen says there’s an opportunity there for farmers who can get contracts locked in. “Crop prices are depressed, but there are a few bright spots in barley and sunflowers holding their own on the price, and soybeans are up just a tick from the projections,” said Haugen. “If you can lock in contracts or if you plan on getting a pretty good yield, you may be able to make a profit on most crops.” Beef prices are at record highs, “but remember the price in the store is not necessarily what the rancher is getting; there are a lot of middlemen involved there, too.”