NW Plantings: Canola Up, Wheat Mixed, Hay & Sugar Lower

NASS is out with its prospective planting numbers for 2026.

Wheat:

When it comes to spring wheat, Idaho’s acreage is down to 425,000 acres, while Washington’s figure slipped to 450,000 acres.  Winter wheat, Washington’s acreage was unchanged from last year at 1.85 million, while Oregon’s acreage was also unchanged at 750,000 acres; Idaho’s winter wheat numbers increased year-over-year to 810,000 acres.

Taking a look at all wheat varieties Idaho’s acres increased to 1.2235 million, Washington's decreased to 2.3 million, and Oregon’s was unchanged at 750,000. 

Nationwide, all wheat planted area for 2026 is estimated at 43.8 million acres. If realized, this represents the lowest all wheat planted area since records began in 1919. The 2026 winter wheat planted area, at 32.4 million acres. Of this total, about 23.1 million acres are Hard Red Winter, 5.79 million acres are Soft Red Winter, and 3.54 million acres are White Winter. 

Area expected to be planted to other spring wheat for 2026 is estimated at 9.42 million acres. Of this total, about 8.78 million acres are Hard Red Spring wheat. Durum planted area for 2026 is expected to total 1.95 million acres. 

Grains:

Growers in Washington are expected to plant 70,000 acres in 2026.  Meanwhile growers in Idaho are expected to plant 540,000 acres this season.

Row Crops:

And when looking at sugarbeets, Idaho’s acreage decreased to 158,000, Oregon’s held stead at 10,000 and Washington’s was unchanged at 2,000. Nationally, NASS is anticipating 1.063 million acres of sugarbeets will be planted this year. 

Others:

Canola acreage increased in Washington to 160,000, while Idaho jumped to 100,000.  Nationwide, canola acreage is expected to be 2.685 million.

Dry edible beans, NASS said Idaho growers are expected to increase acreage this year to 45,000 acres, while Washington will hold at 55,000.

When it comes to hay, Idaho’s acreage was unchanged at 1.25 million, while Washington and Oregon both show decrease, to 700,000 and 850,000 respectively.

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