Farm Surveys Coming To Producers Mailboxes Soon

As acreage surveys begin arriving in farm mailboxes across rural America, there’s a lot of skepticism about USDA production numbers that still echo from last January. Lance Honing, chair of the agricultural statistics board, says the 2026 acreage survey collection period now ramping up.

Farmer participation, he says, more important than ever, but he’s concerned fewer farmers may participate, especially if they’re frustrated. In June, USDA estimated farmers planted 95.2 million acres of corn, up 5% from the previous year. But by August, USDA raised that number by more than 2%, with another upward revision in September.

Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.