Corn acreage down 3% while soybean plantings rise by 3%

HOUSTON (ICIS)–This spring US farmers planted less corn than last year but conversely increased their soybeans sowings, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) in the acreage estimate report.

The agency said corn planted area for all purposes in 2024 is estimated at 91.5 million acres, down by 3% or 3.17 million acres year on year.

Overall, this year’s crop represents the eighth highest planted acreage in the US since 1944.

Compared with last year, planted acreage is expected to be down or unchanged in 31 of the 48 estimating states.

Area harvested for grain is being projected at 83.4 million acres, which is a decrease of 4% from last year.

Looking at soybeans the USDA said planted area is estimated at 86.1 million acres, up 3% year on year, with planted acreage being up or unchanged in 24 of the 29 estimating states.

All wheat planted area for 2024 is estimated at 47.2 million acres, down 5% from 2023 with all cotton planted area for this season being calculated at 11.7 million acres, up 14% year on year.