U.S. farmers are expected to plant fewer corn acres this spring, shifting more land to soybeans as rising input costs pressure profitability. Analysts say higher fertilizer and diesel prices, driven in part by global geopolitical tensions, are making corn more expensive to produce. Soybeans, which require less nitrogen, are becoming a more attractive option as farmers look to manage financial risk. The acreage shift comes as farm income is projected to decline for a fourth straight year. Lower commodity prices combined with elevated input costs have tightened margins across much of agriculture. Market watchers say the potential drop in corn acres could impact grain supplies later this year, possibly providing support to corn prices if production falls. However, planting decisions remain flexible. Farmers continue to weigh weather conditions, input availability, and market volatility as the spring planting season approaches.
