Despite numerous challenges faced by growers, from tar spot to fall armyworm, corn and soybean yields will likely set records in most Northeast states, Ohio and Michigan in 2021.

Take a look at the graphic to see USDA’s most recent Crop Production Report:

The numbers are based off a survey of nearly 7,000 producers across the U.S. between Oct. 24 and Nov. 4. Farmers were contacted by phone, mail, email and personal interviews. Randomly selected plots were also revisited to make current counts.

Record yields

If nothing changes, forecasted corn and soybean yields will break records in Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York, while the forecasted corn yield in Michigan will be a record. The forecasted soybean yield in Delaware will also set a record.

Ohio, the largest corn- and soybean-producing state in the region, is forecast to produce 635.4 million bushels of corn, a 12.5% increase over last year, and an average yield of 188 bushels per acre, a 9.9% increase over last year and a record. Soybean production is forecast at 270.48 million bushels, slightly lower than 2020, but yield is forecast at 56 bushels per acre, a record.

Michigan growers are expected to produce 344.75 million bushels of corn and a record yield of 175 bushels per acre, 14.3% higher than last year. Soybean production is estimated at 107 million bushels, a 1.8% jump from last year, with average yields coming in at 50 bushels per acre, a 4.1% increase.

The corn yield in the Keystone State is estimated at 169 bushels per acre, 22% higher than last year and a record. Overall production is forecast is 147.3 million bushels, up 6.7% from last year. Soybean yield is forecast at 52 bushels per acre, up 13% from last year and a record. Overall production is forecast at 29.6 million bushels, 2.42% higher than last year.

The corn yield in New York state is estimated at 170 bushels per acre, up 8.28% from last year, a record. Production is estimated at 85 million bushels, up 8% from last year. Soybean yield is estimated at 53 bushels per acre, up 3.92% from last year, a record. Production is estimated at 16.96 million bushels, up 6.6% from 2020.

National view

Corn grain production is forecast at 15.1 billion bushels, up 7% from 2020. Yields are expected to average 177 bushels per acre, up 5.6 bushels from last year.

Soybean production is forecast at 4.42 billion bushels, up 5% from last year. Yields are expected to average 51.2 bushels, up 0.2 bushels from 2020.