Low crop prices and high production costs are weighing heavily on U.S. farmers as spring planting season draws near and farmers make critical decisions about which crops will offer the most favorable economic return. While late-winter price movements and regional basis signals could influence farmers over the next few weeks, soybeans are currently expected to increase their share of American farmland in 2026 while planted acreage of corn, wheat, grain sorghum, cotton and rice is expected to decline compared to last year. According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, U.S. soybean acreage is projected to increase nearly 6 percent this year, with soybeans pulling acres from multiple crops. The expansion of U.S. soy crush capacity and expectations of continued Chinese demand have lifted soybean prices to more attractive levels than competing crops.
the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties report, the only source of detailed production and sales data for floriculture, nursery, and specialty crops for the entire United States. The data show that horticulture operations sold a total of $18.3 billion in floriculture, nursery and specialty crops in 2024. Horticultural sales in 2024 compared to 2019 all show an increase in sales and number of operations due to the addition of mushroom and hemp grown under protection in the latest Census of Horticultural Specialties. The number of horticulture operations in the United States totaled 23,060.
The Vidalia® Onion Committee recognized two leading farming operations during its Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 7th, honoring excellence in production and long-term investment in the Vidalia® Onion industry. Bland Farms was named the “2025 Vidalia® Onion Grower of the Year”, an award sponsored by R.W. Griffin Warehouse. The Vidalia® Onion Committee also introduced a new distinction for 2025: the Vidalia® Onion Producer of the Year Award, recognizing a Vidalia® Onion farm whose collective efforts resulted in the highest per-acre paid assessments during the season. The inaugural award was presented to L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms.
The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Sukup, former president and CEO and current board co-chair of Sukup Manufacturing Co., to the Foundation’s Board of Directors.
The American Soybean Association (ASA) recognized North Dakota farmer Monte Peterson with its Distinguished Leadership Award during the 2026 ASA Awards Celebration at the Commodity Classic trade show in San Antonio.
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) announced several staffing changes as the organization continues its mission to serve farmer co-op members. Justin Darisse has been promoted to Vice President, Strategy and External Affairs, a role in which he will be responsible for aligning NCFC’s external engagement, member-facing activities, and organizational strategy. Darisse will join the newly formed NCFC Leadership Team. Zach Gihorski has been promoted to Senior Director, Government Affairs. In this capacity, he will continue advancing the federal policy priorities of NCFC members while taking on expanded responsibilities for leading grassroots political engagement with member cooperatives, coordinating NCFC’s political action committee activities, and managing the NCFC intern program. NCFC also announced that Lisa Van Doren, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Government Affairs, will be departing the organization to pursue other career opportunities.
For 35 years, U.S. soybean farmers have invested together with a singular purpose: to build a stronger, more resilient future for U.S. Soy. Through the Soy Checkoff, those collective investments across food, feed, fuel, industrial, exports and sustainable production, have transformed the soybean industry. It’s created entirely new categories for demand and advanced production—delivering measurable results back to the farm. As the United Soybean Board (USB) marks its 35th anniversary, farmer-leaders reflect on how strategic, farmer-directed investments have reshaped the soybean industry for the better—and how that momentum is continuing to accelerate.
The National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) welcomed its new officer team at the 2026 Commodity Classic in San Antonio, TX. These officers will begin their one-year terms, continuing NAWG’s mission to promote the needs of our nation’s wheat growers.
With the March 16 deadline approaching for farmers to purchase crop insurance for spring-seeded crops like corn and soybeans, National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS) released record-setting results for the 2025 crop year. Farmers purchased 2.54 million crop insurance policies in 2025 — an all-time high — protecting a record 561 million acres of farmland nationwide. Nearly 117 million acres have been added to crop insurance since 2021.
Agri-Pulse is pleased to announce that Sen. John Boozman, Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and Rep. Shontel Brown, the Vice Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee, will be among the keynote speakers at the Ag & Food Policy Summit on March 23. Click here to register. In-person and virtual registration options are available. The widely attended Agri-Pulse event is part of the celebrations surrounding National Agriculture Week and just one day before National Agriculture Day on March 24.
Applications are now open for the 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Program — a unique international leadership opportunity for agricultural journalists aged 35 and under. If you are ready to strengthen your leadership skills and connect with peers from around the world, we encourage you to apply. Learn more and submit your application here by April 12, 2026.
Facts Only
U.S. soybean acreage is projected to increase by nearly 6% in 2026, pulling acres from corn, wheat, grain sorghum, cotton, and rice.
The USDA's 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties reported $18.3 billion in sales from 23,060 horticulture operations.
The Vidalia Onion Committee awarded Bland Farms the "2025 Vidalia Onion Grower of the Year" and L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms the inaugural "Vidalia Onion Producer of the Year."
Charles Sukup was appointed to the World Food Prize Foundation's Board of Directors.
Monte Peterson received the American Soybean Association's Distinguished Leadership Award.
The National Council of Farmer Cooperatives promoted Justin Darisse to Vice President, Strategy and External Affairs, and Zach Gihorski to Senior Director, Government Affairs.
The United Soybean Board marked its 35th anniversary, highlighting farmer-led investments in demand and sustainability.
The National Association of Wheat Growers welcomed a new officer team for 2026.
Farmers purchased a record 2.54 million crop insurance policies in 2025, covering 561 million acres.
Sen. John Boozman and Rep. Shontel Brown will speak at the Ag & Food Policy Summit on March 23.
Applications for the 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Program are open until April 12, 2026.
Executive Summary
U.S. farmers face economic pressures as spring planting approaches, with soybean acreage projected to rise by nearly 6% in 2026 due to favorable prices driven by expanded crush capacity and Chinese demand. Meanwhile, corn, wheat, and other crops are expected to see reduced plantings. The USDA's 2024 Census of Horticultural Specialties reported $18.3 billion in sales across 23,060 operations, reflecting growth in floriculture, nursery, and specialty crops, including mushrooms and hemp. The Vidalia Onion Committee honored Bland Farms and L.G. Herndon Jr. Farms for industry contributions, while leadership changes were announced at the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the American Soybean Association. The United Soybean Board celebrated 35 years of farmer-led investments, highlighting advancements in demand and sustainability. Crop insurance purchases hit record highs in 2025, covering 561 million acres, while the Ag & Food Policy Summit will feature key agricultural leaders. Applications are open for the 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders Program, targeting emerging agricultural journalists.
The agricultural sector is navigating shifting market dynamics, with soybeans gaining ground amid global demand and policy developments. Leadership transitions and industry recognitions underscore ongoing efforts to support farmers, while record crop insurance participation signals risk management priorities. The horticulture sector's growth, driven by new crop inclusions, contrasts with challenges in traditional commodity markets. Upcoming events and programs aim to foster leadership and policy dialogue, reflecting the sector's adaptive strategies.
Full Take
The strongest version of this narrative highlights the resilience and adaptability of U.S. agriculture amid economic and market pressures. Soybeans' projected expansion reflects strategic responses to global demand and domestic processing capacity, while the horticulture sector's growth underscores diversification. Leadership transitions and industry awards signal a commitment to innovation and recognition of excellence. However, the narrative also reveals underlying tensions: the shift toward soybeans may reflect short-term economic incentives rather than long-term sustainability, and the record crop insurance purchases suggest heightened risk aversion among farmers.
Pattern scan: The article presents a largely positive framing of agricultural trends, emphasizing growth and leadership without deeply interrogating systemic challenges like climate vulnerability or market volatility. The focus on record-breaking metrics (e.g., crop insurance policies) could subtly reinforce a narrative of progress without addressing structural inequities or environmental costs.
Root cause: The paradigm driving this narrative is one of market-driven adaptation, where farmers and industry leaders respond to price signals and policy incentives. Unstated assumptions include the stability of global demand (e.g., China's soybean imports) and the adequacy of current risk management tools. Historically, this echoes cycles of commodity booms and busts, where short-term gains can mask longer-term vulnerabilities.
Implications: For human agency, the narrative empowers farmers as decision-makers but also highlights their dependence on external factors like trade policies and weather. The benefits accrue to those positioned to capitalize on market shifts (e.g., soybean processors, insured farmers), while costs may fall on smaller operators or those in less competitive sectors. Second-order consequences could include further consolidation in agriculture or increased reliance on government-backed insurance programs.
Bridge questions: How might climate change disrupt the projected soybean expansion? What perspectives from small-scale or diversified farmers are missing from this industry-focused narrative? Would evidence of declining soil health or water scarcity alter the optimism around horticulture growth?
Counterstrike scan: A coordinated influence campaign might amplify the "success story" framing to downplay systemic risks or discourage policy reforms. However, the article's focus on data and leadership transitions does not align with such a pattern, as it lacks overt emotional manipulation or distortion. The content appears to be a straightforward industry update, though it could benefit from more critical interrogation of underlying trends.
Patterns detected: none
Sentinel — Human
This article is almost certainly human-compiled, likely a collage of press releases and organizational updates with minimal editorial intervention. The disjointed structure and lack of narrative flow are hallmarks of aggregated content, not AI generation.