The recent Pro Farmer crop tour has highlighted exceptional agricultural potential in Indiana, reporting the highest soybean pod count in 22 years and a corn yield forecast at a three-year high. During the four-day tour, scouts noted an average of 1,409.02 soybean pods in a 3-foot by 3-foot square, marking a 7.6% increase from 2023’s record yield.
In addition to Indiana’s impressive results, Nebraska also showed strong corn yield prospects, with an average projected yield of 173.25 bushels per acre (bpa), exceeding both last year’s and the three-year averages. Nebraska’s soybean pod count was reported at 1,172.48 pods, also surpassing previous averages.
These findings support the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s forecasts for record corn and soybean yields across the country. However, grain and oilseed prices remain near four-year lows due to ample global supplies and concerns about demand from China.
The favorable weather conditions, including timely rains from Hurricane Beryl, contributed to the positive outlook for Indiana’s crops. Tour leader Brian Grete expressed optimism that farmers would be pleased with their soybean harvest if normal weather continues until harvest time.