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USDA: biggest acre shift from soybeans to corn in Upper Midwest

2019 Planting Intention surveys reveal the biggest shift from soybeans to corn will likely occur in the Upper Midwest.

USDA chief economist Rob Johansson says a lot of the acres where corn is going up are in regions showing the largest reduction in soybeans.

“400,000 fewer acres in North Dakota, 450,000 fewer in South Dakota, 500,000 fewer acres in Minnesota, (and) 600,000 fewer acres in Iowa.”

Surveys also indicate overall planted area for principle crops will fall to its lowest level in eight years at 315 million acres.

“We see the biggest declines in Montana, which is a wheat story. Texas (which is) a cotton and sorghum story. And Oklahoma, which is a wheat and hay story. As well as Missouri.”

Johansson says farmers surveyed considered commodity prices, trade news, and stock levels among the factors when determining planting intentions.