That would represent a decrease of 4 percent in corn plantings from last year and a 3 percent increase for soybeans. In Iowa, which ranks No. 1 in both corn and soybeans, farmers will plant an estimated 11.9 million acres of corn this year, down from 12.3 million in 2000. They are increasing their soybean acreage from 10.7 million to 11 million. This year's wheat acreage is estimated at 60.3 million, a 4 percent reduction from 2000 and the lowest level since 1973. Production of spring-planted varieties, however, is expected to increase, with acreage of 15.5 million, up 2 percent from 2000.
Most wheat is planted in the fall.
This year's cotton acreage is estimated at 15.6 million, an increase of less than 1 percent from 2000.