By Jamie Martin
The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its latest findings on crop production, presenting a contrasting scenario for the nation's staple crops.
According to the report, U.S. corn production is expected to drop slightly by 1% from last year, totaling 15.1 billion bushels.
Conversely, soybean production is forecasted to climb substantially by 10% from 2023, reaching a new high of 4.59 billion bushels.
The report highlights a record average corn yield of 183.1 bushels per acre, indicating a 5.8 bushel increase from the previous year. This growth in yield is mirrored in several states including Idaho and Iowa, reflecting robust crop conditions.
Notably, 67% of the corn crop is reported in good or excellent condition as of early August, outperforming last year by 10 percentage points.
Soybean yields are also set to hit a new peak at 53.2 bushels per acre, with record yields anticipated in states like Illinois and Ohio.
Wheat production is on the rise as well, with all wheat types combined projected at 1.98 billion bushels, marking a 9% increase from 2023.
The report includes initial projections for U.S. cotton, forecasting a 25% increase in production to 15.1 million 480-pound bales despite a slight dip in yield per acre compared to last year.
As NASS prepares for its September Agricultural Survey, this comprehensive snapshot of the crop production landscape offers valuable insights for farmers and the market, shaping expectations for the year's harvest outcomes.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National