By Jamie Martin
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest Crop Production report, national corn production is expected to reach 16.8 billion bushels, a 13 percent rise from 2024. Corn planted area is estimated at 98.7 million acres, 9 percent above last year, with 90 million acres forecast for harvest. Average yields are predicted at 186.7 bushels per acre, slightly down from last month but up 7.4 bushels from 2024. States including Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Minnesota may achieve record yields. By August 31, 69 percent of corn fields were rated good to excellent.
Soybean growers face a smaller crop, with production forecast at 4.30 billion bushels, down 2 percent from last year. Planted acreage stands at 81.1 million acres, 7 percent below 2024, while 80.3 million acres are expected to be harvested. Yields average 53.5 bushels per acre, lower than last month’s forecast but 2.8 bushels higher than last year. Record yields are anticipated in several Midwest states.
Cotton production is forecast at 13.2 million 480-pound bales, 8 percent lower than 2024. Harvested area is pegged at 7.37 million acres, down 6 percent from last season, with yields averaging 861 pounds per acre.
These projections come from NASS surveys of more than 7,600 farmers and detailed yield measurements. The full monthly Crop Production report is available on the NASS website, with a live Q&A scheduled today on X with Board Chair Lance Honig.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: National