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2026 PEANUT ACREAGE FORECAST Peanuts: Planted area is estimated at 1.53 million acres in 2026, down 22 percent from last year. Area for harvest is estimated at 1.48 million acres in 2026, down 23 percent from last year. In Georgia, the largest peanut-producing State, planted area is down 22 percent from 2025. As of June 22, sixty-three percent of the acreage was rated in good to excellent condition compared to seventy-two percent at the same time last year. OTHER COMMODITIES Corn planted area for all purposes is estimated at 95.3 million acres, down 3 percent from last year. This represents the fourth highest planted acreage in the United States since 1944. Compared with last year, planted acreage is down or unchanged in 40 of the 48 estimating States. Area harvested for grain, at 87.4 million acres, is down 4 percent from last year. SOYBEANS: Soybean planted area for 2026 is estimated at 85.4 million acres, up 5 percent from last year. Compared with last year, planted acreage is up or unchanged in 23 of the 29 estimating states. WHEAT: All wheat planted area for 2026 is estimated at 42.7 million acres, down 6 percent from 2025. The 2026 winter wheat planted area, at 31.5 million acres, is down 5 percent from last year and down 3 percent from the previous estimate COTTON: All cotton planted area for 2026 is estimated at 9.85 million acres, up 6 percent from last year. Upland area is estimated at 9.70 million acres, up 6 percent from 2025. American Pima area is estimated at 150,000 acres, up 6 percent from 2025. down 17 percent from 2024.
SOUTHERN PEANUT GROWERS ANNOUNCE CONFERENCE The 27th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference will be held July 21-23, 2026 at the Edgewater Beach Resort Conference Center, Panama City Beach, Florida. The three-day event provides farmers with information about peanut production, legislative issues, marketing and promotions. In addition to the conference sessions, the event focuses on the family by offering a ladies program. Additional information about the conference and sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting one of the coordinating partners including peanut growers associations in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina. (254 Registered) The Conference starts Tuesday, July 21 with a dinner and “ A Night at the Peanut Circus” featuring AscenDance Entertainment On Wednesday, July 22, the General Session centers on the theme: “Juggling It All: Stress, Strength and Health in Farm Life”. A Second session will feature “Weather in Modern Farming.”. The luncheon theme is “Under the Big Top, Pride and Mental Health.” On Thursday, July 23, the Farm Press Efficiency Awards will be presented and the final session on “Tightrope Talks: From the Field to Capitol Hill”, ending the program with “Highwire Dreams:” featuring a panel of young peanut farmers. Registration is available online with Southern Peanut Growers Conference. A variety of lodging options are also available. PB2 FOODS ANNOUNCE NEW PRODUCT PB2 Foods, the brand that pioneered powdered peanut butter, is making protein-packed snacking more convenient than ever with the launch of new PB2Go Cups, now available at Walmart stores nationwide. Designed for busy consumers seeking better-for-you snack options, PB2Go Cups are priced at $2 and feature pre-portioned powdered peanut butter in a portable cup. Simply add water, stir, and enjoy — no kitchen required. PB2Go Cups can be enjoyed on their own or paired with fruits, vegetables, crackers, pretzels, and other snacks for convenient, protein-packed dipping. Available in Original Powdered Peanut Butter and Peanut Powder with Chocolate Chips, PB2Go Cups deliver 10 to 11 grams of protein per serving while maintaining the nutritional advantages consumers expect from PB2, including lower fat and fewer calories than traditional peanut butter. "We know today's consumers are looking for nutritious snacks that fit seamlessly into their active lifestyles," said John Monczynski, Chief Customer Officer of PB2 Foods. "PB2Go gives people a convenient, grab-and-go option they can enjoy virtually anytime, anywhere — whether they're heading to work, the gym, school, a sporting event, or simply need a quick protein boost." Each cup contains a premeasured serving of PB2 and includes a spoon stored inside the lid. Consumers simply add cold water to the fill notch, mix, and enjoy. The compact format fits easily into lunch boxes, backpacks, purses, gym bags, and travel packs. PB2Go Cups can be enjoyed on their own or paired with fruits, vegetables, crackers, pretzels, and other snacks for convenient, protein-packed dipping. For information about PB2 Foods, visit pb2foods.com, based in Tifton, GA. PEANUT INSTITUTE REMINDS MEN THAT PEANUTS ARE BRAIN BOOSTERS – Maintaining brain health in men requires attention to heart health, hormone regulation and regular mental activity. Because men can be more vulnerable to accelerated cognitive aging and are less likely to seek treatment, preventative healthcare – including effective management of blood pressure and cholesterol –is critical for lowering dementia risk. The Peanut Institute says smart nutrition matters, making peanut and peanut butter valuable allies for men’s brain health. The PEANUT INSTITUTE has proof that peanut delivers cognitive support for men at every age. A 2019 review of 19 experimental studies found those who eat peanuts and other nuts tend to perform better on cognitive tests and experience less decline over time. SO, if ladies want men friends or husbands to remember or fight off dementia, get him a can of peanuts or mixed nuts TODAY. HOPE FOR FARMERS – 11 BILLION In the $87.6 Billion Supplemental Request by the President is help for farmers. This supplemental request includes an additional $11.1 billion to support American farmers. This includes $10 billion in temporary economic assistance for row and specialty crops planted in crop year 2026. An additional $1.1 billion is requested to help the State of Florida's agricultural producers to rebound from devastating losses that were the result of crippling storms this past winter. INDUSTRY NEEDS TO CONTINUE SUSTAINABILITY PROOF At the USA Peanut Congress, he noted that a resilient supply chain delivers 1) Sustainable peanuts, affordable peanuts and reliable peanuts. OUR NEW ENTERPRISE SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY:Will enable business growth and resilience through a focused approach that is aligned to our broader company directives. Goals for Hershey is SOURCE – Resilient Ingredients; MAKE: Efficient Operations and Delight : Relevance of Portfolio Offerings. Environmental sustainability risk management reveals key areas to focus on within the peanut supply chain. Watershed Health ; Long Term water availability and pressure on regional resources, Risk of water scarcity affecting crop stability over time.Work together on watershed stewardship to support efficient use and long-term supply. He noted that resilient Peanuts with Regenerative Agriculture will help industry by 1) Maintaining soil health and changing weather and environmental pressures, 2) Yield and input variability with implications for farm economics and supply reliability,3) Partner to scale practical approaches that build soil health and long-term resilience. COTTON UPDATE The latest USDA crop progress and condition report (as of 6/28) shows the crop planting and development to be pretty much on the norm. Overall, the crop is rated 16% poor to very poor and 48% good to excellent. This compares to 13% and 53% respectively for the previous week. Texas is rated 25% poor to very poor. USDA’s monthly US and World supply/demand estimates for July will be out on the 10th. US estimates will use this 9.85 million acres planted figure and abandonment and yield based on historical averages but adjusted for current conditions. Today’s acreage numbers didn’t seem to faze the market—at least not yet. Like I said, an increase in acres should have been and likely was already expected and factored in. We’ll see. Prices (Dec futures) seem to be acting “comfortable” and moving mostly sideways and searching for direction. Prices are likely to range mostly between 75 and 79 cents. But, on an expected large US crop or weak demand news, weakness could take us to 73 cents. Crop concerns and/or good demand news could take us to 82-83 or better. Everyone wants a return to 85 cents or better. Is that possible? Yes. Did you get some of this already? If yes, how much and how do you feel? If no, are you going to wait and pass up something less? For how long? Price can also go to 73. That will hurt. Do you risk 73 while holding and hoping for 85? Let’s think together. How can you protect yourself? If price goes to 85 again, you darn sure want some of that or as much of it as you can. And, likewise, you want to avoid the risk of 73 on as much of the crop as you can. Don Shurley, Cotton Economist- Retired, Professor Emeritus of Cotton Economics |