U.S. farmers plan to plant less corn and more soybeans in 2026 as the Iran war drives up fertilizer and fuel prices. The USDA reported farmers intend to plant 95.338 million acres of corn this year, down from 98.788 million acres in 2025.
Corn and wheat require costly fertilizer, making soybeans more attractive as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran cuts off critical nitrogen supplies from the Gulf. Farmers face rising input costs while dealing with weak grain prices and uncertain Chinese demand.
Farmers will plant 84.7 million acres of soybeans, up from 81.215 million acres last year. USDA's lower-than-expected estimate for soy acres rallied soybean futures. U.S. net farm income is forecast to decline despite record government aid payments.
Corn stocks reached 9.024 billion bushels as of March 1, compared to 8.147 billion bushels a year earlier, reflecting ample supplies after bumper harvests and trade disruptions. Farm groups urge Congress to approve additional aid for crop growers affected by Iran war ripple effects.