U.S. soybeans continued to expand planted and harvested acreage in 2026, and production is projected to reach a new record this year, despite a slight drop in yield, according to the USDA’s August 2026 crop production report.
Each month, the USDA uses acreage, yield, and grower-reported data and satellite imagery to estimate yearly production and yields. On Aug. 12, the USDA released its August crop production report, which indicated that soybean and corn production are remaining strong.
Soybean planted acres are anticipated to reach 86.765 million acres and harvested acres 85.781 million acres, increasing 6.8% and 6.6% from the previous season, respectively, according to USDA. Average yield is expected to dip slightly (0.6%) from last season to 52.7 bushels per acre, while production is forecast at a record 4.519 billion bushels in 2026.
Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and North Carolina are expecting record yields at 67, 62, 63, 58, and 42 bushels per acre. Kansas, Nebraska, Louisiana, and South Dakota are estimated to have the largest yield decreases in 2026, declining by 10.5, 8.5, 6.5, and 6 bushels an acre, respectively, from the previous season, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Services.
The U.S. production gains come as many U.S. farmers face growing global competition, especially from Brazil. The number one importer of soybeans, China, imported 12.08 million Brazilian soybeans, compared to 1.27 million tons from the U.S., according to China’s General Administration of Customs.
Despite these trade dynamics, major commodity buyers, like ADM and Bunge, are capitalizing on strong demand for crushed soybeans and oils globally and leveraging their vast logistic network to drive revenue increases. ADM and Bunge both raised their full-year guidance based on strong Q2 performance.
Corn on track for second-largest harvest, yield
Similarly, corn production is expected to remain strong and is estimated to be the second highest on record. The government agency is estimating corn planted and harvested acres to come in at 96.730 million and 88.592 million acres, respectively, both down from 2025 numbers.
Additionally, the USDA is expecting 180.7 bushels an acre, down 3.1% from the previous season, with production of 16 billion bushels, the second highest on record.
South Carolina, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado are expected to see the sharpest corn yield declines in 2026, declining by 38, 28, 27, and 26 bushels per acre, respectively. Iowa, Indiana, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Virginia are expecting record corn yields, producing 216, 206, 207, 192, 189, and 169 bushels per acre respectively.
Corn demand is also remaining strong, boosted by government policies related to ethanol blending. Earlier this year, the U.S. government announced that it was raising its Renewable Fuel Standard to allow for 15% ethanol blending in gasoline (i.e., E15) year-round, as AgNavigator reported.
