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Pro Farmer estimates 2026 U.S. corn crop at 15.344 billion bushels; soybeans at 4.572 billion bushels
Pro Farmer • • business
Key Points:
- Pro Farmer estimates the 2026 U.S. corn crop at 15.344 billion bushels with an average yield of 173.2 bushels per acre, slightly lower than the USDA's August estimate of 180.7 bushels per acre.
- The corn crop shows solid potential but exhibits more variability, with factors like lower ear populations and shorter grain length limiting yield upside in many areas.
- Pro Farmer projects the 2026 U.S. soybean crop at 4.572 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 53.3 bushels per acre, slightly above the USDA's recent estimate of 52.7 bushels per acre.
- Soybean pod counts are below last year's record levels, but adequate soil moisture is expected to support the crop through the end of the season despite potential precipitation slowdowns.
- Pro Farmer's estimates combine extensive field observations from seven Midwestern states with crop maturity, health assessments, and historical trends to provide a comprehensive outlook for 2026.
