By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University Extension has released its 2026 short- and long-term agricultural price projections to support farm and ranch planning across the state. According to NDSU Extension, these estimates are designed to help producers prepare future decisions during ongoing market uncertainty.
Planning for future farm operations can be difficult, especially when markets remain uncertain. To support better decision making, North Dakota State University Extension releases its 2026 short and long-term agricultural planning price projections for North Dakota producers.
These projections are designed to help farmers and ranchers develop realistic expectations for the coming production year. Setting reasonable price targets is one of the most challenging parts of farm planning, but it plays a key role in building sound budgets and managing financial risk.
“Estimating short-term planning crop prices is more important than ever," says Ron Haugen, NDSU Extension farm economist. “Price projections should be used as a guide in setting expectations for the 2026 production.”
The planning prices may be used to prepare annual enterprise budgets and whole farm cash flow projections. According to Haugen, cash flow planning is especially important as farm margins remain tight.
“Cash flow projections are very critical with today's tight margins," adds Haugen.
The 2026 outlook shows a mixed picture across agriculture. Livestock price projections reach new highs, while many crop price projections are lower than last year. The publication includes price estimates for both the 2026 season and future years to support longer term planning.
Crop price projections cover major commodities grown in North Dakota. These include wheat, durum, oats, feed barley, malting barley, corn, soybeans, canola, flaxseed, sunflowers, winter wheat, dry beans, dry peas, lentils, and hay. These estimates help producers compare crops and plan rotations.
Livestock projections include beef steers and heifers at different weights, cull cows, slaughter steers, hogs, ewes, lambs, feeder lambs, and milk. Historical prices are also included to give producers helpful context when reviewing current projections.
Haugen cautions farmers not to use short term price projections for major capital purchases or long-term expansion plans that extend beyond one production year. Instead, the projections work best as a planning guide for near-term decisions.
The publication titled “Plotting a Course 2026” is available online at ndsu.ag/plotacourse26 or through local NDSU Extension County Offices. It serves as a valuable planning tool for producers preparing for the 2026 season.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Livestock, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety