By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is forecasting record yields for both corn and soybeans in Illinois during the 2025 growing season. The new projections come as part of the August crop report, which shocked many in the agriculture industry.
According to USDA estimates, Illinois joins several other states with record corn yield forecasts. Corn yields in Illinois are expected to hit record highs at 188.8 bushels per acre, part of a national corn crop projection of 16.7 billion bushels. This would surpass previous records and highlight the strength of Illinois’s production capacity.
Soybean yields in Illinois are also forecast to reach record levels at 53.6 bushels per acre. The USDA expects national soybean production to total 4.29 billion bushels, though overall output is slightly reduced from earlier predictions due to fewer harvested acres. In Illinois, strong soybean yields contribute to the state’s position as one of the top producers in the nation.
Despite these optimistic numbers, some farmers and market analysts remain cautious. Jeremy McCann, account manager at Farmer’s Keeper, said that many producers across Illinois and the Midwest face real challenges, including limited moisture and rising disease pressure. He suggested the record projections may be revised downward by the time USDA releases its final estimates in January.
The USDA report also noted that while yields may reach new highs, corn and soybean prices could fall. The average corn price is estimated at $3.90 per bushel, 30 cents lower than before, which could trigger higher federal program payments under the Price Loss Coverage and Agriculture Risk Coverage programs.
Photo Credit: getty-images-elhenyo
Categories: Illinois, Crops, Corn, Soybeans