Mississippi farmers are planning to plant more soybeans but fewer acres of corn, rice, and cotton in 2026, according to data released on April 14 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Prospective Plantings report shows that tight margins from falling commodity prices and higher production costs are influencing these decisions.
The report highlights how economic pressures are shaping planting intentions across the state. Farmers face rising input costs—especially for fertilizer and fuel—while commodity prices remain relatively low, making it a challenging year for many producers.
Growers in Mississippi intend to plant about 2.3 million acres of soybeans, a significant increase of 27% over last year’s acreage. In contrast, corn is expected to drop by 31% to around 630,000 acres, rice will decrease by half to about 80,000 acres, and cotton is projected at roughly 300,000 acres—a decline of about nine percent from last year.
Will Maples, an agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said: “We have seen a decent rally in soybean and cotton prices this winter. Margins are still expected to be tight, but things are slightly better.” He added that strengthened soybean prices have made them more competitive relative to other crops compared with last year when tariff uncertainty led to reduced acreage.
Input costs continue as a concern for growers due largely to volatility in global energy markets tied partly to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Maples said: “The main issue is the potential disruption through the Strait of Hormuz…so disruptions there can tighten global supplies and push prices higher.”
Fertilizer price spikes have been notable; urea rose by about one-third month-to-month while anhydrous ammonia increased by one-fifth during March according to DTN Progressive Farmer. Steve Martin from MSU Extension noted: “You use natural gas in the process of making nitrogen-based fertilizer…Right now, the high cost of shipping as well as the fuel that goes into fertilizer production is contributing to fertilizer cost increases.”
Corn’s price outlook remains weak following record U.S. harvests while soybeans look more attractive amid recent price rallies; May futures were trading between $4.50-$4.60 per bushel for corn and around $11.70 per bushel for soybeans at the start of April according CME Group financial data.
Other crops also reflect shifting economics: hay harvests are forecasted down eleven percent while peanut production could fall over forty percent compared with last year’s levels.
Grain Journal provides resources focused on these industry trends—including a bi-monthly magazine and digital content—for professionals throughout the United States according to its official website. The publication manages office facilities in Minnesota and operates within a group that includes Milling Journal and Seed Today according to its official website.
The annual Prospective Plantings report offers only an early-season snapshot based on surveys conducted each March; actual planted acreage may change depending on weather or market shifts before planting concludes.
