Report Forecasts Bumper Corn, Soybean Crops

(Image of soybean field courtesy of Purdue University)

A key U.S. Department of Agriculture report projects the state’s largest crops could beat or finish close to record levels this year. The August Crop Production Report suggests soybean yields could hit 312 million bushels, which would be the highest ever. Corn production could surpass one billion bushels and finish just behind 2014’s record of 1.08 billion bushels.

This year’s corn and soybean harvest totals are forecast to far out-do last year’s "sluggish" results.

Glenn W. Sample Dean of Purdue University Agriculture Jay Akridge said during a panel discussion Friday on the results at the Indiana State Fairgrounds "in the end it’s another testament to Indiana farmers and their management abilities."

Nationally, the USDA projects corn production to hit a new record of 15.2 billion bushels and soybeans to also have the best year yet, with a forecast of 4.06 billion bushels.

Last year’s crops in much of the state were hit with heavy rains and flooding in July, then dry conditions throughout August and September.

A separate report last week from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistical Service suggested 73 percent of Indiana’s corn crop and 74 percent of the soybean crop were in good or excellent shape.

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