USDA issues specific crop cost-of-production estimates for 2026

by Jeff Ishee

Source: USDA Economic Research Service

December 24 - The month of December is a time for many farmers to finalize planting intentions for the following year. Sitting at their desk with a calculator handy, the big question on every farmer's mind is "Will 2026 be a profitable year?" To assist in answering that question, the USDA's Economic Research Service offers national estimates for crop production every six months.

The USDA estimates the national average cost of production for corn for grain in 2026 at $916.75 per acre. With a yield of 175 bushels per acre, the breakeven mark would be approximately $5.23 per bushel. Image credit - Mark Stebnicki

On December 18, the USDA published its latest forecast for crop production costs for 2026. Highlights include:

For corn, the forecast calls for a national average of $112 per acre for seed, $165 per acre for fertilizer, $49 for chemicals, and so on. The estimated corn cost of production for 2026 is $916.75 per acre.

For soybeans, the forecast calls for a national average of $62 per acre for seed, $57 per acre for fertilizer, $49 for chemicals, and so on. The estimated soybean cost of production for 2026 is $678.25 per acre.

For cotton, the forecast calls for a national average of $101 per acre for seed, $105 per acre for fertilizer, $89 for chemicals, and so on. The estimated cotton cost of production for 2026 is $965.32 per acre.

For peanuts, the forecast calls for a national average of $130 per acre for seed, $106 per acre for fertilizer, $130 for chemicals, and so on. The estimated peanut cost of production for 2026 is $1,194.33 per acre.

See the full report here>> (Excel spreadsheet)