U.S. farmers are planning to plant fewer corn acres and more soybeans in the 2026/2027 crop year, according to the Kluis/Successful Farming Planting Intentions Survey released March 26, just days before the upcoming USDA Prospective Plantings report-an important signal for commodity markets, farm income, and policy decisions.

The survey highlights how producers across the country are adjusting planting strategies in response to high input costs, evolving commodity prices, and ongoing uncertainty in the agricultural supply chain. As margins tighten, acreage decisions are becoming increasingly strategic for maintaining profitability.

The survey indicates that U.S. farmers intend to plant 96.7 million acres of corn in 2026/2027, a notable decline from 98.8 million acres in 2025/2026. While still above the U.S. Department of Agriculture February estimate of 94 million acres, the downward trend reflects mounting financial pressure on producers.

Higher fertilizer and fuel costs, combined with softer commodity prices, are influencing decisions to scale back corn acreage. Corn, as a high-input crop, is particularly sensitive to these cost dynamics.

Planted Corn (Million Acres)

Source: Kluis/SF Planting Intentions Survey; USDA Grains and Oilseeds Outlook for 2026

Soybeans are emerging as a more attractive option for many farmers in 2026. The survey shows increased soybean acreage year-over-year, although total plantings remain slightly below USDA's earlier projections.

This shift reflects soybeans' relatively lower input costs and strong ties to both export demand and domestic biofuel markets, particularly biodiesel and renewable diesel.

Planted Soybeans (Million Acres)

Source: Kluis/SF Planting Intentions Survey; USDA Grains and Oilseeds Outlook for 2026

Wheat acreage is also expected to decline, with farmers planning 43.2 million acres for 2026/2027, below both last year's levels and USDA's February estimate.

The reduction underscores ongoing challenges in wheat markets, including global competition and price volatility, which continue to weigh on producer decisions.

Planted Wheat (Million Acres)

Source: Kluis/SF Planting Intentions Survey; USDA Grains and Oilseeds Outlook for 2026

According to Al Kluis, managing director of Kluis Commodity Advisors, the survey results are "negative for corn, neutral for soybeans, and slightly positive for hard red spring wheat."

He noted that the survey was conducted later than typical USDA data collection, suggesting it may better reflect real-time farmer decision-making as producers respond to input costs, weather risks, and evolving market signals.