USDA Crop Production Report Indicates Record Yields

 

The latest U.S. Department of Agriculture crop production report indicates that the 2016 area harvested for corn is forecast at 86.6 million acres, unchanged from August but up 7 percent from last year. The September 1 corn objective yield data indicate the third highest number of ears on record for the combined 10 objective yield states. At 15.1 billion bushels, 2016 corn production is forecast to be the highest production on record for the United States. Grain sorghum production is forecast at 488 million bushels, up 3 percent from last month but down 18 percent from last year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 6.46 million acres, unchanged from August 1 but down 18 percent from 2015. Based on September 1 conditions, yield is forecast at a 75.7 bushels per acre, up 2.2 bushels from last month but down 0.3 bushels from last year. If realized, this will be the second highest yield on record for the United States.

Video: Why the Fertilizer Crisis Won’t End When the Iran War Does

The fertilizer crisis didn’t start with war — it revealed a system already under strain.

Seed World U.S. Editor Aimee Nielson breaks down what’s really happening in global fertilizer markets and why the impact on farmers may last far longer than current headlines suggest. Featuring insights from global fertilizer expert Melih Keyman and industry leaders Chris Abbott and Chris Turner, this conversation explores:

Why fertilizer supply was already tight before geopolitical disruption

What the Strait of Hormuz and global trade routes mean for input availability

How rising nitrogen prices are crushing farmer margins

Why this crisis could affect seed choices, crop mix and acreage decisions

The hidden risks around phosphate and sulfur supply

Why experts say this situation may get worse before it gets better

Even if tensions ease, the underlying issues — supply constraints, investment gaps and purchasing behavior — are still in play.

Watch to understand what this means for farmers, the seed industry and the future of global food production.