By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension released projected crop budgets for 2026, showing that profitability remains low or negative for most crops and regions across the state. The budgets are designed as planning tools are organized by multicounty regions to help farmers evaluate expected costs and returns.
Projected returns vary widely depending on crop type, region, and individual farm practices. The budgets estimate returns to labor and management but do not include price or yield risk. Because costs and yields differ between operations, the projections are meant to serve as general guides rather than exact forecasts.
“There is no perfect comparison of crops because there are different levels of labor, management and risk to consider,” says Ron Haugen, NDSU Extension farm management specialist.
Haugen explained that a warm and wet fall in 2025 led to higher soil fertility levels across much of the state.
"As a result, fertilizer application rates should be lower in most regions,” says Haugen. “However, fertilizer prices are up, so the overall fertilizer cost per acre will be higher than 2025.
“This year, in most regions, and for most crops, the projected profitability is low or negative,” continues Haugen. “Inputs and ownership costs are flat to somewhat higher, but lower commodity prices are the main contributor to the lower profitability. It’s a revenue problem.”
The budgets showed that chemical costs remain mostly steady, fuel, and interest costs decline, and ownership, and repair costs increase. Some specialty crops may show positive returns, but these crops often involve limited acreage, restricted contracts, and higher risk.
Farmers are encouraged to create their own budgets using farm-specific cost and yield estimates. Custom budgeting helps producers better understand their financial position and make informed planting decisions.
The 2026 crop budgets are available online, including spreadsheet tools that allow farmers to enter their own numbers.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Rural Lifestyle