DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

2026 Planting Intentions Survey: Early Clues Before USDA’s Report

The private 2026 planting survey estimated 96.7 million corn acres; USDA’s March report later estimated 95.3 million. Here’s what the figures do and don’t mean.
From TheFinanceBase Team4 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The 2026 Kluis/Successful Farming Planting Intentions Survey put planned U.S. corn acreage at 96.7 million acres. USDA’s later official estimate was 95.3 million. Those are separate survey estimates—not actual planted acreage—and the difference does not show which one was more accurate. Both reports have now been released: USDA published its Prospective Plantings report on March 31, 2026.

What the 2026 planting intentions survey covered

Kluis Commodity Advisors and Successful Farming conducted a private survey asking farmers how many acres they intended to plant to corn, soybeans, and wheat. It also asked about acres planted and prevented from planting in 2025. Successful Farming announced the survey on March 16, 2026, with a participation deadline of March 23 and an anticipated USDA report date of March 31. Those dates have passed.

The announcement described the survey as anonymous and said individual responses would remain confidential, with only aggregate results released. Those are statements made by the survey article. It also said participants would receive the results, Kluis team analysis, and options market recommendations; that offer is not evidence that any recommendation produced a profit. Successful Farming’s survey announcement

What the survey estimates said

Corn

Successful Farming’s late-March follow-up reported that the private survey estimated 96.7 million U.S. corn acres for the 2026–2027 crop year, compared with 98.8 million in 2025–2026. The same report put the private estimate 1.4 million acres above USDA’s subsequent 95.3 million-acre estimate. The gap is a comparison between two estimates, not proof that one was more accurate. Successful Farming’s follow-up

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Garden Journal, 3 Ring Full Page 8.5x11" Binder. Seed Packet Organizer Kit, Perfect Planner & Almanac & Notebook for Gardeners and Farmers
  • COMPLETE GARDEN PLANNING KIT - Everything you need to organize your garden in one binder. Includes 1 binder, 12 dividers, 32 labels (16 pre-filled + 16 blank), 25 US Letter sleeves, 25 4-pocket seed sleeves, 25 seed envelopes, 25 plant profile sheets, a gardening moon calendar, and access to 11 printable templates for free.
  • LARGE & PRACTICAL SIZE - Measures 11" x 11.5" with a 2.4" spine and 1.5" rings to fit standard 8.5x11" pages. Store notes, plans, plant photos, and seed packets-up to 100 seeds in total. Perfect for tracking garden growth, organizing plant data, and planning future projects.
  • FUNCTIONAL & INFORMATIVE - Use the moon calendar to plan tasks by lunar phases. Dividers and labels make organizing simple, while plastic sleeves protect notes from moisture or wear. Perfect for home gardens, greenhouses, or small farms.
  • DURABLE & EASY TO CLEAN - Laminated cover resists spills and wipes clean easily. Gap-free, rust-resistant rings and thick, coated dividers ensure durability and long-term use.
  • THE PERFECT GIFT FOR GARDENERS - A thoughtful and complete gardening organizer for beginners and experienced growers alike. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or housewarming gifts-helps gardeners stay inspired and organized all year round.

Soybeans and wheat

The follow-up said the private survey projected more soybean acres and fewer wheat acres year over year, but the opened article text did not give specific private soybean or wheat totals. USDA’s official figures were 84.7 million soybean acres and 43.8 million acres of all wheat. These USDA numbers should not be presented as private-survey results. USDA NASS, Prospective Plantings, March 31, 2026

How the private survey compares with USDA

Measure Kluis/Successful Farming private survey USDA NASS Prospective Plantings
Corn acreage 96.7 million acres for 2026–2027, reported by Successful Farming in late March 2026. 95.3 million acres for 2026, down 3% from 2025.
Soybean acreage Specific acreage figure not stated in the opened Successful Farming follow-up; it reported an increase year over year. 84.7 million acres for 2026, up 4%.
Wheat acreage Specific acreage figure not stated in the opened Successful Farming follow-up; it reported a decrease year over year. 43.8 million acres of all wheat for 2026, down 3%.
Survey timing and sample Kluis said its survey took place a week later than USDA typically conducts its survey. Sample size, response rate, weighting, and confidence intervals were not stated in the available article text. Nearly 74,000 farm operators surveyed during the first two weeks of March 2026, according to USDA NASS.

USDA describes Prospective Plantings as the first official survey-based estimates of farmers’ planting intentions. The annual report presents expected plantings and the previous year’s harvest by state for principal crops and tobacco; it is the source for the official USDA estimates. USDA NASS report · USDA NASS publication catalog

Rank #2
CDM Planning Clyde's Garden Planner - Vegetable Planting Slide Chart, (UNDATED), Perpetual Garden Planner
  • Chart Provides Both Indoor and Outdoor Seeding Dates for 22 Commonly Grown Garden Veggies, (Chart Size = 51/8" x 81/2", 12 Point Cardstock Paper).
  • Comes with listing of Local Spring & Fall Frost Dates, USA and Canada (Has a Sliding Frost Line)
  • Gives Seed Quantity, Seeding Dimensions: Planting Depths, Distance Between Rows & Between Plants, Essential Tool for any Gardener, and for Homesteading!
  • Includes a Companion Planting Guide, Sunlight Requirements, Min. Soil Temps, Expected Yield. Over 1/2 Million, (500,000) Sold! Get (3), One for Planning, One to put with tools and seeds, and One for a Friend! Note:Chart is less useful in Southern California, South Florida and South Texas where frost is not a critical gardening factor..

Al Kluis, managing director of Kluis Commodity Advisors, said the private survey was conducted later than USDA’s typical survey window and argued that this “should equate to more accurate data” as farmers continued considering input costs and planting decisions. That is Kluis’s explanation for the survey timing and his view of its likely effect, not an independently verified finding. Successful Farming’s follow-up

What acreage intentions can—and cannot—tell you

A planting-intentions figure is a survey estimate of plans, not a count of acres ultimately planted. Weather, prices, input costs, and later planting decisions can affect what happens in fields. Treat the private survey as an early read on reported intentions and USDA’s March report as the official estimate at that point in the season, rather than treating either as realized acreage.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
CraftSaints Garden Planner, Vegetable Planting Chart Wheel, Perpetual Outdoor & Indoor & Greenhouse Plant Care Guide, Homestead Planting Almanac, Essential Accessory for Gardeners & Farmers
  • EASY TO USE & UNDERSTAND - Simplify your garden with our easy-to-use wheel-based vegetable garden planner! Determine seeds needed, planting depth, optimal spacing, and much more for 21 popular vegetables. The garden planner works in all regions of the USA and Canada. Simply adjust the frost line with the frost dates of your area to get started.
  • DURABLE - Plan for both spring and fall! Our durable, splash-proof cardboard wheel offers a comprehensive guide for every season. The planner Measures 9x9'' and is fixed with a durable metal rivet. To switch the seasons, simply slide the rotating wheel from one side to another through the slit in the base wheel.
  • PLANT WITH PRECISION - Achieve perfect layouts with recommendations for the distance between rows, hills, and post-thinning plant spacing.
  • STAY ATTENTIVE - Know exactly when to expect sprouts! Get insights into days to germination, and maturation, and plan your harvest dates effectively.
  • MAXIMIZE RESULTS - Maximize yield with details on sunlight, soil temperature, expected produce, and ideal companions. A must-have tool for both indoor and outdoor gardening success!

For updated planted-acre estimates, consult later USDA releases. NASS subsequently published a June Acreage report based on a new survey of about 90,300 farm operators. The survey and report date matter when comparing that figure with March intentions. USDA NASS report series information

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How to judge a planting-acreage comparison

  • Geography: Check whether the numbers describe U.S. acreage or a region. A 2026 Farms.com Risk Management report, for example, concerns Ontario and is not a substitute for U.S. estimates.
  • Crop coverage: Confirm that the figures refer to the same crop and definition. USDA’s 43.8 million figure is for all wheat.
  • Field period and release date: March intentions and a later acreage survey capture different points in farmers’ decisions.
  • Method: USDA disclosed its approximate sample size and survey window. The private survey article did not state sample size, response rate, weighting, or confidence intervals, so the available information does not support a direct statistical-quality comparison.
  • Estimate status: Label a private early estimate as such and distinguish it from a USDA estimate or later planted-acre figure.

The Ontario report illustrates why geography and methods matter: it describes a probability sample and notes both sampling and non-sampling error. Its figures apply to Ontario, not U.S. national acreage. Farms.com Risk Management report

Best Value
Seeding Square Planting Tool, Seed Planter for Square Foot Gardening Kit
  • HELPING YOU GARDEN BETTER: Get ready for a huge harvest from your vegetable garden! Inspired by the Square Foot Gardening method, our patented seed-spacing template is fun for all ages and experience levels.
  • ORGANIZED PLANTS, LESS WORK, BIGGER HARVESTS: This tool ensures seeds and seedlings are perfectly spaced to maximize your harvest by 2-5x! The precise layout of the plants also makes it easy to identify and remove weeds, saving you even more time.
  • PERFECT FOR ALL GARDENERS: Ideal for beginners, seasoned gardeners, and families. Seeding Square simplifies planting day while boosting yields. Its precision spacing grows a dense crop that crowds out weeds and reduces water evaporation for a more productive garden with less cost and effort.
  • FUN, EASY AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING: Grow your own food and reduce waste with this eco-conscious tool. Kids love the bright colors and planting in 3 simple steps: Press, Poke, and Plant! Experienced gardeners will appreciate how it optimizes space and maximizes productivity.
  • A THOUGHTFUL GIFT: Take control of your garden’s success this planting season—click “Add to Cart” today and treat yourself to a bigger, healthier harvest with less effort! And remember, Seeding Square makes a practical and unique gift for anyone who loves growing their own food.
Rank #4
Plantable Seed Calendar 2027 – 12-Month Wildflower Seed Paper Desk Planner
  • Plantable Seed Paper Design: Each 2027 monthly page is made with seed paper embedded with wildflower, herb, and fruit seeds. Instead of tossing old pages, plant them and enjoy blooms while you plan.
  • Roomy Monthly Layout with Stand: Large daily blocks offer space for appointments, to-dos, and reminders. A sturdy detachable stand keeps the calendar steady on desks, counters, or shelves.
  • Easy to Plant – No Experience Needed: After each month, soak the page, plant it in soil, water gently, and place it in sunlight. In 7–14 days, seeds begin to sprout. Simple steps for beginners.
  • A Gift That Keeps Growing: Move beyond single-use calendars. This plantable planner turns daily planning into a small garden and makes a memorable gift for birthdays, holidays, housewarmings, or office exchanges.
  • For Everyday Planning and Greener Living: Great for gardening fans, busy professionals, or anyone cutting down on waste. A monthly planner that adds color and purpose to your desk, home, or studio.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.