USDA’s 10-year baseline projections are based on data as of October and assume no policy changes. USDA’s initial assumptions for 2025-26:
· Corn: Plantings of 92.0 million acres, with production of 15.305 billion bu. and ending stocks of 2.269 billion bushels. The average cash price: $3.90.
· Soybeans: Plantings of 85.0 million acres, with production of 4.42 billion bu. and ending stocks of 515 million bushels. The average cash price: $10.00.
· Wheat: Plantings of 46.0 million acres, with production of 1.884 billion bu. and ending stocks of 828 million bushels. The average cash price: $5.80.
· Cotton: Upland plantings of 10.8 million acres, with production of 15.3 million bales and ending stocks of 4.38 million bales. The average cash price: 66¢.
Perspective: These are baseline projections. A lot can and will change from now until the end of the 2025-26 marketing year on Aug. 31, 2026. But this gives you a good indication of USDA’s initial outlook for the following marketing year to help make some initial decisions for your farming operation.
