2021 Iowa corn, soybean forecast

Iowa corn production is forecast at 2.47 billion bushels according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Crop Production report. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 198.0 bushels per acre, up 5.0 bushels per acre from the August 1 forecast and 20.0 bushels per acre above last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 12.9 million acres. An estimated 12.45 million of the acres planted will be harvested for grain, down 200,000 acres from the previous forecast. Acreage updates were made based on a thorough review of all available data.

Soybean production is forecast at 591 million bushels. The yield is forecast at 59.0 bushels per acre, up 1.0 bushel per acre from the August 1 forecast and 6.0 bushels per acre higher than 2020. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 10.1 million acres with 10.0 million acres to be harvested. Acreage updates were made based on a thorough review of all available data.

The forecasts in this report are based on September 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time. The next crop production forecasts, based on conditions as of October 1, will be released on October 12.

United States Summary

Corn production for grain is forecast at 15.0 billion bushels, up 2% from the previous forecast and up 6% from 2020. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 176.3 bushels per harvested acre, up 1.7 bushels from the previous forecast and up 4.3 bushels from last year. Acreage updates were made in several States based on a thorough review of all available data. Total planted area, at 93.3 million acres, is up 1% from the previous estimate, and up 3% from the previous year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 85.1 million acres, up 1% from the previous forecast and up 3% from the previous year.

Soybean production for beans is forecast at 4.37 billion bushels, up 1% from the previous forecast and up 6% from 2020. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average 50.6 bushels per harvested acre, up 0.6 bushel from the previous forecast and up 0.4 bushel from 2020. Total planted area, at 87.2 million acres, is down less than 1% from the previous estimate but up 5% from the previous year. Area harvested for beans in the United States is forecast at 86.4 million acres, down less than 1% from the previous forecast but up 5% from 2020. Acreage updates were made in several States based on a thorough review of all available data.