Corn production is forecast at 11 billion bushels, up 2% from last month but 7% below 2004. Based on conditions as of Nov. 1, yields are expected to average 148.4 bu./acre, up 2.3 bu. from October but 12 bu. below last year. If realized, both production and yield would be the second largest on record, behind last year.
Of the major producing states, forecast yields are higher than last month in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin as producers realized larger than expected yields and late planted fields matured under favorable fall conditions. Yield prospects are still below last year in all major corn states, except Minnesota and Wisconsin, where producers are experiencing record high yields.
Soybean production is forecast at 3.04 billion bushels, up 3% from October but 3% below 2004. If realized, this would be the second largest U.S. soybean crop on record, only behind last year's crop. Based on Nov. 1 conditions, yields are expected to average a record high 42.7 bu./acre, up 1.1 bu. from October and 0.5 bu. above last year.
Producers in the Corn Belt, the southern Delta, and most of the Southeast are realizing higher yields than expected last month, with record high yields forecast in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Louisiana. Area for harvest in the U.S. is forecast at 71.3 million acres, unchanged from last month but down 4% from 2004.
All cotton production is forecast at 23.2 million 480-lb. bales, up 2% from the October forecast but slightly below last year's record high production. Yield is expected to average 813 lbs./acre, up 16 lbs. from last month but down 42 lbs. from 2004. If realized, both production and yield would be the second largest on record, behind last year. The November area expected for harvest remains unchanged from last month at 13.7 million acres but is up 5% from 2004.
For information on Crop Production call (202) 720-2127, office hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET.