Cedar Falls, Iowa (Aug. 25, 2023) — Pro Farmer, a division of Farm Journal, shared its much-anticipated production estimates today for the 2023 U.S. corn and soybean crops after analyzing information from the 31st annual Pro Farmer Crop Tour and other sources. The estimates are informed by Crop Tour data and observations collected this week through an exceptional effort by scouts in thousands of fields across seven key Midwestern states.
Corn: Pro Farmer estimates the 2023 U.S. corn crop at 14.960 billion bu. based on an average yield of 172.0 bu. per acre. That estimate is down sharply from USDA’s August estimate of 175.1 bu. per acre.
“This year’s corn and soybean crops had multiple nicks from Mother Nature, including the heat wave that will push crops hard to the finish line… or, in some cases, finish them. That’s not the type of finish farmers envisioned. Fortunately for some, their crops had built strong yields ahead of the heat. But weather will keep the hottest and driest areas from adding late-season bushels,” said Brian Grete, Pro Farmer editor.
Soybeans: Pro Farmer estimates the 2023 U.S. soybean crop at 4.110 billion bu. with a national average yield of 49.7 bu. per acre, down from the 50.9 bu. per acre USDA estimated in August.
“From what we’ve seen, the soybean crop seems vulnerable to a late season collapse and is cause for concern,” said Grete.
The Pro Farmer Crop Tour, which informs the Pro Farmer national yield estimates, concluded Thursday. A dedicated group of more than 100 crop scouts sampled more than 3,500 fields in seven states throughout the week-long event. For additional yield data and information about the tour go to www.profarmer.com and www.agweb.com.
Founded in 1973, Pro Farmer is a division of Farm Journal and is the leading subscription-based market advisory organization in agriculture, serving members across the United States and globally.
About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. Started 147 years ago with the preeminent Farm Journal magazine, the company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences, seminars and tradeshows; nationally broadcasted television and radio programs; a robust mobile-text-marketing business; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal is also the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal division dedicated to accelerating the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.