U.S. farmland dedicated to major row crops is expected to decline modestly over the next decade, according to projections from the United States Department of Agriculture that are also known as baseline acreage projections.
Total planted acreage for eight key crops, including corn, soybeans, and wheat, is forecast to fall from 247.6 million acres in 2026-2027 to 241.6 million by 2035-2036.
The outlook reflects tightening profit margins as input costs rise and crop prices remain steady to slightly higher.
“Overall, the outlook points to a stable-to-softening acreage base dominated by corn and soybeans,” the report notes.
Corn acreage is projected to decline steadily after a recent peak, while soybean plantings are expected to rise briefly before tapering off.
Wheat acreage is forecast to remain flat at historically lower levels.
The projections highlight ongoing economic pressures shaping planting decisions and suggest gradual adjustments rather than dramatic shifts in U.S. crop production.
