USDA crop report shows higher corn yields and lower soybean cotton output
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) announced in its latest Crop Production report that U.S. corn production is forecast at 16.8 billion bushels, up 13 percent from 2024. Corn acres planted are estimated at 98.7 million, an increase of 9 percent from last year, with 90 million acres expected to be harvested. Although the average corn yield is forecast at 186.7 bushels per acre—2.1 bushels lower than last month—it is still 7.4 bushels higher than last year. Record yields are anticipated in states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota. As of August 31, 69 percent of the corn crop was rated good to excellent, four points above 2024.
Soybean production is forecast at 4.30 billion bushels, down 2 percent from last year. Planted area is estimated at 81.1 million acres, down 7 percent from 2024, while 80.3 million acres are expected to be harvested. The average yield is projected at 53.5 bushels per acre, slightly below last month’s forecast but 2.8 bushels higher than last year. Record yields are expected in several states, including Arkansas and Wisconsin.
Cotton production is projected at 13.2 million 480-pound bales, 8 percent below 2024. Harvested area is estimated at 7.37 million acres, down 6 percent from last year, with yields averaging 861 pounds per acre, a slight decline from last month.
These estimates are based on surveys of more than 7,600 producers and objective yield assessments. The monthly Crop Production report is available on the NASS website, and questions can be directed to a live #StatChat with NASS Agricultural Statistics Board Chair Lance Honig.
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