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Wheat, Corn, Soybean Prices are Below Breakeven, Signaling Fourth Year of Losses by Matthew Weaver Capital Press, May 8, 2026

The bureau is communicating to the Trump administration
that additional economic assistance is needed, Parum said.

The national average price is lower than the cost of production for three top crops, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.

It's the fourth consecutive year of industry-wide losses, said Faith Parum, farm bureau economist.

The national average breakeven price for wheat is nearly $8 per bushel, at $7.96 per bushel. USDA estimates an average price of $5 per bushel for the 2026 marketing year.

For corn, it's $5 per bushel to break even. USDA estimates an average market price of $4.20 per bushel.

For soybeans, it's $12.27 per bushel to break even. USDA estimates an average market price of $10.30 per bushel.

Breakeven estimates reflect national averages and will vary significantly by region, Parum said.

"Given ongoing drought conditions and higher fertilizer and fuel costs, actual breakeven levels are likely to be higher in many areas," Parum told Capital Press.

USDA will update its commodity costs and returns data this summer.

The bureau is communicating to the Trump administration and lawmakers in Congress that additional economic assistance is needed, Parum said.

Farmers should work closely with trusted advisers to ensure they have a risk management plan tailored to their operations, which may include crop insurance and participation in programs such as the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC), she said.

"With the risk of significant drought and continued increases in production expenses, the situation remains urgent," Parum said.

Related Pages:
USDA: Larger Wheat Supplies, Fewer Exports, Lower Prices by Matthew Weaver, Capital Press, 3/12/25
Congress to Pay Farmers as Wheat and Barley Prices Tanked by Tom Peterson, Columbia Connection, 1/7/25
Abundant Wheat Supplies Depress World Prices, But Hope Emerges by Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press, 12/24/24
Global Wheat Stocks Tight, Prices Volatile in Year of War, Drought by Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press, 12/20/22