U.S. farmers planted a record combined 183.5 million acres of corn and soybeans in 2026, according to the USDA’s August crop reports, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already closely watched grain market.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates farmers planted 96.7 million acres of corn and 86.8 million acres of soybeans, with both figures up 1.4 million acres from previous projections. The increase in acreage came as USDA lowered yield expectations for both crops, creating a mixed production picture as harvest approaches.

For corn, USDA lowered its national average yield projection to 180.7 bushels per acre, down 2.3 bushels from its July estimate of 183 bushels. However, the increase in acreage more than offset the lower yield, with projected production rising slightly to 16.013 billion bushels. If realized, that would make 2026 the second-largest U.S. corn crop on record.

USDA also increased projected harvested corn acreage to 88.6 million acres.The demand outlook provided additional support for corn. USDA raised its 2026-27 corn export projection by 75 million bushels to 3.275 billion bushels and lowered projected ending stocks from 1.79 billion to 1.653 billion bushels. The projected national average farm price increased 10 cents to $4.50 per bushel.

Soybean crop could set a record

The soybean outlook was even more notable. USDA is now forecasting a 4.519 billion-bushel soybean crop, which would be the largest in U.S. history.

The projection is based on 86.8 million planted acres, 85.8 million harvested acres and an average yield of 52.7 bushels per acre. USDA trimmed its yield estimate from 53 bushels per acre in July, but the additional acreage more than offset the decline and pushed projected production into record territory.

USDA projected new-crop soybean ending stocks at 320 million bushels, while leaving its national average farm price estimate unchanged at $11.40 per bushel.

The size of the acreage adjustment is particularly notable because earlier planting estimates had already helped shape summer market expectations. USDA acreage estimates can be revised as additional information becomes available, making the August numbers an important reminder that the crop picture can change significantly between early-season surveys and later certified acreage figures.

Wheat moves in the opposite direction

While corn and soybean acreage expanded, the wheat outlook is considerably tighter. USDA estimated total U.S. wheat production at 1.531 billion bushels, down slightly from 1.536 billion in July. The average wheat yield is forecast at 47.8 bushels per acre, down 5.5 bushels from 2025.

Winter wheat production is projected at 990 million bushels, while durum production is forecast at 66.4 million bushels and other spring wheat at 474 million bushels.

The contrast is significant. Corn and soybeans are moving toward historically large acreage and production totals while wheat supplies are tightening.

For corn, additional acreage is helping offset a lower yield forecast. For soybeans, added acres have pushed projected production to a record even as USDA trimmed its yield expectation. With harvest still ahead, however, weather and actual yields could continue to reshape the supply picture.

Several of the August production estimates also came in above market expectations. Corn production was projected at 16.013 billion bushels, compared with an average pre-report trade estimate of 15.944 billion. Soybean production was projected at 4.519 billion bushels, compared with an average expectation of 4.469 billion.

For farmers, merchandisers and grain buyers, the question now is whether those additional acres will produce the yields USDA currently anticipates—and what another large fall harvest could mean for grain supplies and prices as the 2026-27 marketing year gets underway.