U.S. oat production held close to last year's level in 2026, while barley output declined nearly 20%, according to the USDA Small Grains Summary released Wednesday.
Oat production was estimated at 69.081 million bu, down just 1% from 69.626 million bu in 2025. On the other hand, barley production saw a much steeper contraction, falling 19% to 115.667 million bu from a revised 142.508 million bu in 2025.
For oats, the national average yield increased to 75.3 bu/acre from 73.8 bu/acre a year earlier.
Producers planted 2.638 million acres of oats, up 11% from 2025 and the largest planted area since 2020. However, area harvested for grain declined 3% to 917,000 acres.
Among major producers, North Dakota oat production slipped to 12.95 million bu from 13.475 million bu in 2025. The state's average yield declined to 74 bu/acre from 77 bu/acre, while harvested area was unchanged at 175,000 acres.
Minnesota production also eased, falling to 13.8 million bu from 14.355 million bu. However, yields improved to 92 bu/acre from 87 bu/acre, with the production decline driven by harvested area falling to 150,000 acres from 165,000.
U.S. producers planted a record low 2.206 million barley acres in 2026, down 4% from last year, while harvested area declined 10% to 1.604 million acres. The national average barley yield dropped to 72.1 bu/acre from 79.9 bu.
North Dakota barley production fell sharply to 19.43 million bu from 28.08 million bu in 2025. Yield declined to 67 bu/acre from 78 bu/acre, while harvested area dropped to 290,000 acres.
Montana moved in the opposite direction. Production increased to 36.4 million bu from 32.4 million bu, helped by a yield improvement to 56 bu/acre from 54 bu/acre and harvested area rising 50,000 to 650,000.
