USDA forecasts top corn, soybean yield averages

WASHINGTON — From this growing season’s first survey-based crop forecasts in August through now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture continues to project record corn and soybean yield averages nationwide.

Illinois

The Prairie State is in the corn and soybean record conversation, as well, according to USDA.

Illinois corn is projected to average 222 bushels per acre, unchanged from the September forecast and 16 bushels above 2023.

If realized, the 10.65 million harvested acres would produce just over 2.364 billion bushels.

The state’s average soybean yield projection was increased by 2 bushels from last month to a record 67 bushels per acre, 4 above 2023.

The projected 10.75 million harvested acres would put 720.25 million bushels through combines.

Indiana

USDA lowered Indiana’s projected average corn yield from the September forecast by 8 bushels to 202 bushels per acre, 1 bushel below last year.

The anticipated 5.06 million corn acres are estimated to produce over 1.022 billion bushels.

USDA also reduced Indiana’s anticipated soybean yield average by 3 bushels from last month to 60 bushels per acre, 1 below 2023.

An estimated 346.8 million bushels are projected to be produced from 5.78 million acres.

Iowa

Last month’s projected record yield average of 212 was ramped up this month to 214 bushels per acre in Iowa. The state average was 201 a year ago.

USDA estimates Iowa’s harvested acres at 12.35 million for total production of nearly 2.643 billion bushels.

USDA estimated Iowa’s soybeans to average a record 64 bushels per acre, breaking the previous record by 1 bushel and 6 bushels above 2024.

A projected 9.97 million harvested acres could produce just over 638 million bushels of soybeans.

Nationwide

U.S. corn production for grain is forecast at 15.2 billion bushels, up less than 1% from the previous forecast, but down 1% from 2023.

Based on conditions as of Oct. 1, yields are expected to average 183.8 bushels per harvested acre, up 0.2 bushel from the previous forecast and 6.5 bushels above last year.

Area harvested for grain is forecast at 82.7 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast, but down 4% from the previous year.

The nation’s soybean production for is forecast at a record high 4.58 billion bushels, down slightly from the previous forecast, but up 10% from 2023.

Based on conditions as of Oct.1, yields are expected to average a record high 53.1 bushels per acre, down 0.1 bushel from the previous forecast, but up 2.5 bushels from 2023.

Area harvested for soybeans in the United States is forecast at 86.3 million acres, unchanged from the previous forecast, but up 5% from 2023.