U.S. soybean planting intentions for 2026 are expected to rise following the announcement of a new trade deal with China. Ed Usset, a grain market economist with the University of Minnesota, says the recent rally in soybean prices, fueled by renewed Chinese demand, is likely to encourage farmers to plant more soybeans next year.
“Seeing this change over the last couple of weeks, we’ve had a nice rally going. And I’ve got to believe this is going to change the outlook, and more favorable toward soybean plantings next year,” Usset told Brownfield.
He adds that domestic basis levels are also reacting positively to the improving price environment. “I like to think that the price outlook is a little bit better. I’m looking at a chart of November soybeans, and we’re at the highest price we’ve been in the last year,” he noted.
The renewed Chinese market participation, combined with strong domestic crush demand, is giving U.S. soybean farmers greater confidence in next year’s crop decisions, signaling a potentially larger acreage for the 2026 planting season.
