United States wheat growers are expected to plant fewer acres in 2026, according to the latest estimates. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Prospective Planting Report, released March 31, the total planted area for wheat is projected at 43.8 million acres.
That is down 3% from 2025 and, if realized, would mark the lowest all-wheat planted area since recordkeeping began in 1919. The decline spans multiple classes of wheat, including winter, spring, and durum.
Winter wheat, which accounts for the largest share of U.S. production, is estimated at 32.4 million acres. That figure is down 2% from both last year and the previous estimate. Of the total, approximately 23.1 million acres are hard red winter wheat, 5.79 million acres are soft red winter, and 3.54 million acres are white winter.
Other spring wheat planted area for 2026 is estimated at 9.42 million acres, a 6% decrease from 2025. Hard red spring wheat accounts for the majority of that total, at about 8.78 million acres. Durum wheat is expected to see the largest year-over-year decline. Planted area is projected at 1.95 million acres, down 11% from the previous year.
Regionally, several states are projected to reach record low winter wheat acreage. California, Nebraska and Virginia are all expected to report their lowest planted winter wheat area on record. The record lows are mostly due to weather conditions and commodity prices.
Lacey Vilhauer can be reached at 620-227-1871 or [email protected].
