As of Aug.1 conditions, Nebraska's corn crop is forecast at 1.54 billion bushels, 2% below last year's record production but still the second largest of record, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

Area to be harvested for grain, at 8.55 million acres, is down 3% from a year ago. Yield is forecast at a record high 180 bushels per acre, 2 bushels above the previous high set last year.

"Above normal rainfall throughout much of the growing season has benefited dryland areas, resulting in excellent yield prospects," says Joseph Parsons, director of the Nebraska NASS field office. "This combined with irrigated corn prospects, which are above historic norms, has contributed to the excellent yield forecast."

Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at 284 million bushels, 9% above last year and highest of record. Area for harvest, at 5.35 million acres, is up 12% from 2009. Yield is forecast at 53 bushels per acre, down 1.5 bushels from last year's high but still the second largest of record.

Nebraska's 2010 winter wheat crop is forecast at 68.4 million bushels, down 2% from last month's forecast and 11% below last year's crop. Area for grain, at 1.52 million acres, is unchanged from last month but 5% below last year. Yield is forecast at 45 bushels per acre, down 1 bushel from last month and 3 bushels below last year's record high.

Sorghum yield is forecast at 94 bushels per acre, up 1 bushel from last year. Production is forecast at 6.1 million bushels, down 53% from a year ago, a result of fewer acres planted.

Oat yield is forecast at 70 bushels per acre, 1 bushel above last year. Production of 2.1 million bushels is 1% above last year.

Dry edible bean production is up 48% from last year, largely due to more acres planted. Sugar beet production is down 13% from 2009. Alfalfa hay production is forecast to be 4% above last year and all other hay production is unchanged.

Find agricultural statistics for the nation, Nebraska and your county at www.nass.usda.gov.