By Ann Johanns
Iowa corn and soybean producers continue to face tight margins heading into the 2026 growing season, according to the newly released Estimated Costs of Crop Production in Iowa – 2026 from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
The 2026 outlook reflects continued challenging economic conditions, with average market prices for corn and soybeans projected to remain below production costs. Opportunities for profit are expected to be limited, underscoring the importance of careful cost tracking and farm-specific planning.
The 2026 estimates show:
- A 4% increase in corn production costs compared to 2025, largely driven by higher fertilizer and chemical expenses
- A 2% increase in soybean production costs
- Slightly lower projected land costs, partially offset by higher labor (1%) and machinery costs (3–4%)
“The Estimated Costs of Crop Production budgets represent statewide average costs for farms in Iowa and should be used as planning benchmarks rather than exact estimates for individual farms,” noted Ann Johanns, Ag Decision Maker program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Farm-level cost data is vital information for producers to track. Actual costs can differ substantially from published budgets due to soil productivity, machinery strategies, land tenure and management choices.”
Source : iastate.edu