U.S. farmers seeded slightly more oats and barley in 2026 than originally intended, although the amount of oat acreage expected to be harvested is forecast to decline from last year.
Tuesday’s USDA Acreage report estimated national oat plantings at 2.42 million acres, up 2% from 2025 and above the 2.36 million acres producers said they intended to seed in March. Planted acreage increased or remained unchanged from last year in 13 of the 19 major producing states.
Despite the larger seeded area, only 877,000 acres of oats are expected to be harvested for grain, down 7% from 944,000 acres in 2025. Record-low planted acreage was estimated in Maine, Michigan and Oregon.
North Dakota producers seeded 355,000 acres of oats, up from 335,000 acres last year and above the March intention of 325,000 acres. However, harvested area is forecast to fall sharply to 100,000 acres from 175,000 in 2025.
Minnesota oat acreage was estimated at 200,000 acres, down from 245,000 last year and below the 225,000 acres indicated in March. Harvested acreage is forecast at 150,000 acres, compared with 165,000 a year earlier.
Meanwhile, U.S. barley plantings were estimated at 2.43 million acres, up 6% from 2025 and above the March projection of 2.35 million. Harvested area is also expected to rise 6% to 1.87 million acres.
Montana, the largest barley-producing state by planted area, seeded 860,000 acres, up 10% from 780,000 last year and above the March estimate of 800,000. Harvested area is forecast at 650,000 acres.
North Dakota barley acreage rose to 530,000 acres from 450,000 in 2025, while expected harvested area increased to 420,000 acres from 360,000.
