By Jamie Martin
New USDA crop estimates released in November show mixed results for Arkansas farmers as projections for corn, soybeans and peanuts moved lower while rice production expectations improved.
The USDA report is closely watched by producers, grain marketers, and agricultural businesses because it provides updated information on crop yields, harvest progress, and production trends across the country.
According to the latest figures, projected corn yields were reduced from the previous month's estimate. Soybean yields were also adjusted lower following field surveys that showed reduced pod counts in several important growing regions.
Crop specialists said soybean performance varied greatly this season. While some growers reported satisfactory harvests, many fields produced only average yields after facing weather-related challenges throughout the year.
Survey data indicated that soybean pod counts were lower than previous years in several major producing states. Reduced pod numbers are often an early indicator of lower production potential and can lead to revisions in yield forecasts.
Peanut production expectations were also reduced. Agronomists attributed much of the decline to difficult growing conditions experienced during the season, including drought stress in some production areas.
Rice was one of the few crops showing improvement in the November report. Updated harvest information led USDA to increase its rice yield estimate slightly. Many growers reported stronger rice performance compared to the previous year, with some fields approaching exceptional yield levels.
“Many of the soybean farmers I have talked to have ‘average at best’ soybean yields for 2026,” said Jeremy Ross, an extension soybean agronomist for UADA. “If you look at the ‘Soybean Pods with Beans per 18 Square Feet’ table from the NASS report, the November 2026 pod count for Arkansas at 1,552 pods is 323 less pods than was counted in 2025, which was 1,875 pods.
Cotton estimates remained unchanged. Agricultural experts said harvest conditions have generally been favorable, allowing growers to move quickly through fields. Most cotton and peanut harvest operations were expected to conclude shortly after the report's release.
The state's overall harvest pace remained ahead of the five-year average for several major crops. Soybean, cotton and peanut harvest progress all exceed typical seasonal levels, reflecting favorable harvest weather and strong field activity.
Winter wheat planting continued, although dry conditions slowed crop emergence. While planting progress remained near average levels, many newly planted fields were waiting for adequate moisture to support growth.
“Rice yields were expected to climb over the previous estimate given that they were noticeably improved over 2025 crop yields,” said Jarrod Hardke, an extension rice agronomist for UADA. “Some growers rivaled 2024 record yields, but there was enough variability to keep many around-average yields.”
Earlier in the season, rising wheat prices encouraged some producers to consider additional wheat acreage. However, global market conditions have changed significantly since then.
Agricultural economists pointed to strong wheat production in Australia, Argentina and Canada as major factors contributing to lower wheat prices. Larger supplies from these exporting nations have created additional competition in world grain markets and placed pressure on prices.
Throughout the year, drought remained one of the most significant challenges facing producers. Farmers adjusted management practices and worked through difficult conditions to protect yields and maintain crop quality.
“Australia and Argentina both ended up having decent wheat crops this year, and Canada as well,” said Scott Stiles, extension economics program associate for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. “There's been heavy price pressure coming from larger than expected crops around the globe.”
Industry experts said growers should be proud of their accomplishments during a demanding season. Even with weather-related setbacks, many producers delivered strong harvest results and successfully brought crops to the market.
USDA's next major update will arrive with its annual crop production summary, scheduled for January. That report will provide final production figures and offer a clearer picture of how the 2026 growing season ultimately performed across Arkansas and the broader agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: istock-sandramatic
Categories: National