High production input costs may prevent US farmers from expanding corn plantings in 2026, notes CoBank market analyst Tanner Emke. According to the analyst, the cost structure increasingly influences farmers’ decisions regarding crop selection for the next season, reports «ProAgro Group».
Emke predicts a shift in planting areas in favor of soybeans. He emphasized that soy appears more attractive among major crops due to better price dynamics on the futures market. As a result, soy is likely to take over areas previously allocated to other crops, particularly corn.
At the same time, corn prices are declining while fertilizer costs remain high. According to Emke, the current production costs make corn economically unprofitable, raising doubts among farmers about planting it next season.
Prospects for cheaper production inputs remain limited. The analyst noted that overall costs continue to rise, with only a few exceptions, such as prices for agricultural machinery and land rent, which are beginning to ease in some regions. The pressure on farmers’ financial capacity, he said, will remain a key factor in 2026.
As previously reported, grains and oilseeds on global markets: wheat is mixed, corn is rising, soy is falling.
Source: Brownfield Ag News
