The Pro Farmer crop tour has revealed promising agricultural prospects in Illinois, with corn yield potential reaching a record 204.14 bushels per acre (bpa), the highest in the tour’s 32-year history. This figure surpasses the previous record set in 2014 and is significantly higher than both the 2023 average of 193.72 bpa and the three-year average of 193.58 bpa.
Brian Grete, the tour leader, noted the substantial size of the corn ears observed during the tour, indicating a potential bumper harvest. However, this positive outlook comes amid slumping grain and oilseed futures prices, which have fallen to nearly four-year lows due to strong global supplies and concerns over demand from China.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has forecasted record yields for both corn and soybeans, projecting Illinois corn yields could reach 225 bpa, surpassing the state’s previous record by 11 bpa.
In addition to corn, the tour reported an average of 1,419.11 soybean pods in a 3-by-3-foot square in Illinois, marking the highest count since 2000 and well above last year’s average of 1,270.61 pods.
Scouts also assessed corn yields in Iowa, noting above-average prospects in the western region, despite some areas being affected by heavy spring rains and hail. Corn yields in northwest Iowa were projected at 176.59 bpa, while other districts reported higher yields compared to previous years.
The crop tour, which began earlier this week, will provide additional statewide yield figures for Iowa and Minnesota soon.