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Wisconsin might set a state corn yield record

Corn yields are expected to be down in many states, but not in Wisconsin.  USDA statistician Greg Bussler tells Brownfield the Badger state is ahead of the national yield average. “Our August 1 forecast for Wisconsin is 185 bushels per acre, which is a record for the State of Wisconsin. That’s up five bushels from last year. Nationally, the corn yield is estimated at 175.4 bushels per acre.”

Bussler says Wisconsin farmers had a cool and wet spring, which delayed planting, but they’ve had mostly favorable weather conditions including timely rains that ended a July dry spell.  He says unfavorable weather in other states is taking its toll on crops. “Out west, there are several states that are experiencing drought, and then also in the southeastern part of the U.S. Their yields are down.”

Bussler says the August report was based on a survey of farmers, but the September report will have more data since USDA staff will do on-the-farm field counts and farmer interviews.