The U.S. agriculture sector will get its first official signals on 2026 corn and soybean planting when new USDA chief economist Justin Benavidez presents preliminary acreage, farm income and trade forecasts Thursday at the Agricultural Outlook Forum, a closely watched event shaping expectations for commodity prices and risk management decisions. The debut comes at a pivotal moment as producers weigh input costs, global demand and farm bill uncertainty heading into spring.

Benavidez, recently appointed as USDA's chief economist, steps into the spotlight with projections that will help set the tone for futures markets, crop insurance strategies and lender outlooks for the year ahead. His estimates on planted acreage for corn and soybeans are particularly critical, given tightening margins in row crop production and ongoing volatility in export markets.

The annual forum, held just outside Washington, D.C., is considered one of USDA's most influential platforms for outlining the economic landscape of U.S. agriculture. Preliminary forecasts released at the event often shape early-season marketing decisions and influence how producers calibrate fertilizer purchases, seed selections and precision agriculture investments.

Beyond acreage, Benavidez is expected to outline the department's early outlook on net farm income for 2026. After several years of fluctuating commodity prices and elevated input costs-including fuel, fertilizer and equipment-producers are closely watching whether margins stabilize or face renewed pressure. Trade projections will also draw attention, particularly amid shifting global supply chains and evolving biofuel demand.

Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is scheduled to address attendees Friday, adding a policy dimension to the forum's economic focus. Her remarks are expected to touch on farm bill priorities, conservation funding, and USDA's broader approach to strengthening rural economies and sustainable agriculture initiatives.

The speaker lineup underscores the forum's breadth. Chief U.S. agricultural negotiator Julie Callahan will provide updates on trade dynamics, while Kansas City Federal Reserve agricultural economist Nate Kauffman is slated to discuss credit conditions and farm balance sheets. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor and U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council CEO Ryan LeGrand will spotlight biofuels and export competitiveness-two sectors increasingly intertwined with corn demand and renewable fuel policy.

Artificial intelligence, biofuels, nutrition and other emerging issues are also on the agenda during the two-day conference. From digital decision tools that enhance yields to evolving dietary guidelines that affect livestock and specialty crop markets, the discussions reflect a sector balancing innovation with economic uncertainty.

For producers, agribusiness leaders and policymakers, the stakes are clear. Acreage shifts between corn and soybeans can quickly alter supply expectations, ripple through commodity markets and affect basis levels at local co-ops. Trade forecasts, meanwhile, influence export strategies and the strength of rural supply chains.

As spring planting approaches, the Agricultural Outlook Forum once again serves as an early barometer for the year ahead-offering data-driven insights that will guide planting decisions, marketing plans and policy debates across U.S. agriculture.