Illinois sees surges in Wheat and Oat Production for 2023

By Andi Anderson

Illinois witnessed a substantial surge in its winter wheat and oat production during the past year, according to the latest report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The 2023 summary revealed a noteworthy increase in wheat output, with an average of 87 bushels per acre across 780,000 harvested acres. This figure, derived from the planted 840,000 acres, marked a remarkable milestone for the Prairie State. 

Illinois, in 2023, recorded an impressive total winter wheat production of 67.86 million bushels, showcasing a substantial rise from previous years. Notably, Tazewell County led the pack with an outstanding average yield of 108.5 bushels per acre, reaping 538,000 bushels from 4,960 harvested acres. 

Stephenson County followed suit, boasting an average of 104.4 bushels per acre, yielding a total of 378,000 bushels from 3,620 harvested acres. Other counties, including Knox, Jo Daviess, and Gallatin, joined the elite 1,000-bushel club, showcasing impressive yields ranging from 100 to 102.9 bushels per acre across their respective acres. 

Washington County emerged as the top winter wheat producer, contributing 6.406 million bushels at an average of 93.5 bushels per acre across 68,500 harvested acres. Randolph County closely followed, harvesting 3.384 million bushels at an average of 87.9 bushels per acre. 

In contrast, oat production in 2023 showed an average yield of 90 bushels per acre from 17,000 harvested acres, totaling 1.53 million bushels. DeKalb County shone with an impressive average of 108.6 bushels per acre, yielding a total of 554,000 bushels from 5,100 harvested acres. 

Will County contributed 42,000 bushels, averaging 93.3 bushels per acre from 450 harvested acres. Last year, oats were harvested from 10,000 acres in Illinois, averaging 71.1 bushels per acre and totaling 830,000 bushels. 

The previous year also witnessed remarkable performances, notably Logan County's outstanding 114.3 bushels per acre yield, among others. Oat production has shown steady growth, underlining the state's promising agricultural landscape. 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek