Nebraska Corn Production Up, Soybeans Down

The most recent USDA production estimates indicate Nebraska corn production will equal 1.81 billion bushels, up 1 percent compared to last year. The average corn yield is estimated at 186 bushels per acre, 6 bushels less than last year.

 

Nebraska soybean production is projected to be less this year at 277 million bushels, or 15 percent less. The average yield is forecast to be 56 bushels per acre compared to 58 bushels last year. The lower soybean production stems primarily from fewer acres being planted this year—planted soybean acres were 650,000 acres fewer this year.

 

What do these latest production estimates mean for farmers’ bottom lines? The estimated midpoints for average farm prices in the current marketing year on both crops were higher in the most recent World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate Report (WASDE). The midpoint price for corn increased 20 cents to $3.80 per bushel and the midpoint price for soybeans increased 50 cents to $9.00 per bushel. Using these prices, and USDA production estimates, farmers’ corn revenue would be $6.9 billion for this year’s crop, up 7 percent over last year. 

Video: How Can We Grow More Food With Less Impact?

For over two decades, Dr. Mitloehner has been at the forefront of research on how animal agriculture affects our air and our climate. With deep expertise in emissions and volatile organic compounds, his work initially focused on air quality in regions like California’s Central Valley—home to both the nation’s richest agricultural output and some of its poorest air quality.

In recent years, methane has taken center stage in climate discourse—not just scientifically, but politically. Once a topic reserved for technical discussions about manure management and feed efficiency, it has become a flashpoint in debates over sustainability, regulation, and even the legitimacy of livestock farming itself.

Dr. Frank Mitloehner, Professor and Air Quality Specialist with the CLEAR Center sits down with Associate Director for Communications at the CLEAR Center, Joe Proudman.