The USDA Projected Planting Report offers an early snapshot of what U.S. farmers plan to grow in 2025. Based on surveys from nearly 74,000 producers, the report reveals a shift in planting priorities—particularly for corn and soybeans.
Corn Acreage Climbs to New Highs
Growers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2025, a 5% increase over 2024. This uptick spans the majority of the U.S., with 40 out of 48 reporting states expecting either increased or stable corn acreage.
States like Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota are each expected to increase their corn acreage by over 400,000 acres. Meanwhile, Idaho, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, and South Dakota could see record-high corn planting levels.
Soybean Planting Plans Fall
While corn acreage is climbing, soybean planting is expected to decline. Across the U.S., growers plan to seed 83.5 million acres of soybeans, a 4% drop from 2024.
The biggest drops—over 300,000 acres—are projected in major soybean states such as Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. However, not all regions are pulling back: New York and Ohio may set new highs for soybean acreage this year.
Shifting Trends in Crops and Storage
Beyond corn and soybeans, other major crops are seeing changes in both planting intentions and storage levels. Wheat acreage is expected to drop slightly in 2025, with total planted area projected at 45.4 million acres—a 2% decrease from last year. Both winter and spring wheat are trending downward, while Durum wheat is also projected to decline modestly to 2.02 million acres.
Cotton faces the sharpest cutback, with farmers planning to plant just 9.87 million acres, a 12% decrease compared to 2024. This reduction could signal shifting profitability or regional preferences as growers respond to market demands.
Grain storage data also reveals a mixed landscape. As of March 1, U.S. corn stocks stood at 8.15 billion bushels, slightly lower than last year. On-farm corn storage declined, while off-farm stocks increased.
Soybeans, on the other hand, showed a 4% bump in total stocks, though on-farm storage dipped. Wheat supplies climbed 14% across both on- and off-farm storage, and Durum wheat stocks followed a similar trend, rising due to higher on-farm reserves.
What the USDA Projected Planting Report Means for 2025
The USDA Projected Planting Report highlights how farmers are adjusting to changing market conditions, shifting weather patterns, and rising input costs. With a notable increase in corn acreage and a pullback in soybean planting, the 2025 season is shaping up to be a pivotal one for U.S. agriculture.
Ready to prepare for a productive year? Contact your local John Deere dealer for the tools and equipment to support your planting goals.