Corn Acreage Hits Fourth-Highest March Estimate On Record

In its latest Prospective Plantings report, the USDA corn forecast is 95.3 million acres to be planted in 2025. This exceeds the average market expectation of 94.2 million acres and represents the fourth-highest corn acreage ever recorded in a March estimate. States like Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and North Dakota are expected to contribute most to this increase.

Compared to 2024, corn acreage is projected to be up or unchanged in 40 out of 48 states. Despite the higher-than-expected number, corn futures remained largely steady, with December corn showing only a minor dip.

Wheat Acreage Sees Notable Drop

Wheat acreage in 2025 is estimated at 45.4 million acres, down 2% from the previous year and the second-lowest since 1919. Winter wheat is expected to cover 33.3 million acres, with 23.6 million acres under hard red winter wheat, 6.09 million acres under soft red, and 3.66 million acres of white winter wheat.

Spring wheat planting is forecast at 10.0 million acres, a 6% drop from 2024, while durum wheat is expected to be sown on 2.02 million acres, also down 2%. These reductions indicate a cautious approach from growers, possibly due to pricing and weather-related concerns.

Soybeans And Other Grains Show Decline

Soybean acreage is expected to drop to 83.5 million acres, down 4% from last year. Of the 29 states surveyed, 23 are anticipating reduced or unchanged planting. The decline suggests that some acreage may have shifted toward corn, especially in the Midwest.

USDA also projects decreases in barley and durum wheat. Barley is forecast to be planted on 800,000 acres, down 11% from 2024 and 33% lower than 2023.

US Grain Planting Estimates – 2025 vs 2024

Corn Production Strategy Shifts As Markets Adjust

The shift in acreage reflects changing market dynamics. Strong global demand for corn and better margins may be drawing growers away from soybeans and spring wheat. Meanwhile, higher input costs and uncertain market conditions could be keeping wheat acreage low, despite good pricing trends in some regions.

As farmers finalize their planting decisions, these acreage shifts will continue to influence supply, pricing, and export competitiveness heading into the new marketing year.