By Tanner Hood

Planting season is a guessing game for farmers trying to predict which crops will perform best amid volatile markets and soaring costs. 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Prospective Plantings Report, Alabama farmers are expected to plant more acres in corn, up 22% from 2024.

Dallas County farmer Randall Beers said he believes the report is correct as corn seems to have more profit potential compared to his other crops — cotton and peanuts. 

“I made a great corn crop in 2023 but sat on it all year and didn’t make a profit,” said Beers, who serves on the Alabama Cotton Commission. “Last year, all the markets were bad, but this year, it’s cotton. It’s not profitable for us like corn will be, so we’re reducing our cotton acreage.” 

The report predicts state cotton acreage will decrease 10% alongside fewer soybean acres, down 14%. 

“A lot of things go into deciding what we plant every year,” Beers said. “We look at fertilizer, fuel and seed prices, but we also consider the time it takes to produce certain crops and how labor-intensive they are. Everyone is in the same boat, and they’re reducing cotton acres because it’s just not as profitable.” 

Beers said row crop farmers are facing tough times, with some possibly planting their last crop if markets don’t improve. Many are praying for improved markets. 

“We’ve got to tighten our belt and just do as best we can to try and survive,” Beers said. “Some farmers can’t pay their bill from last year to afford the seed for this year. There is nothing out there that looks profitable right now — and not just here but nationwide.”

Growers in north Alabama are experiencing the same issues, said Lauderdale County farmer James Walker. 

“Most farmers are planting more corn this year, and some have cut soybeans completely out of their rotation,” Walker said. “When you break it down to a price-per-acre, I feel like I can make more money on corn than anything else. It just made more economic sense to reduce some of my soybean acres.”

Although farmers are reducing certain acres, Walker said he doesn’t plan on abandoning soybeans in case the markets shift.

“Typically, one of the crops I produce will hit because I diversify,” Walker said. “I’m trying to hedge my bet. We’ve just got to believe the good Lord will bless us with a good crop to produce the food, fuel and fiber needed in this country.”

Another potential bright spot for Alabama farmers is peanuts. The report predicts a 3% rise in acres of the legume, which has raised concerns about the increased production’s impact on prices. 

Alabama Farmers Federation Commodity Director Carla Hornady said farmers are finding hope even though markets are down. 

“Farmers across the nation, but especially in Alabama, have confidence in the new administration in Washington, D.C., and their commitment to agriculture,” Hornady said. “We’re hoping revamped trade deals will eventually work in favor of farm families.” 

Alabama Prospective Planting