U.S. corn production is forecast at 14.2 billion bushels, down 6 percent from last year but up less than 1 percent from the August forecast, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Based on conditions as of Sept. 1, yields are expected to average 169.9 bushels per acre, up .4 bushel from the August forecast but down 4.7 bushels from 2016. If realized, this will be the third highest yield and production on record for the United States. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 83.5 million acres, unchanged from the August forecast but down 4 percent from 2016.
Soybean production is forecast at a record 4.43 billion bushels, up 1 percent from August and up 3 percent from last year. Based on Sept. 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 49.9 bushels per acre, up .5 bushel from last month but down 2.2 bushels from last year. Area for harvest in the United States is forecast at a record high 88.7 million acres, unchanged from August but up 7 percent from 2016.
Indiana
Although mostly dry conditions persisted through most of August, the cooler temperatures kept soybeans in good shape for the upcoming harvest, which is forecasted to have record high production, according to Greg Matli, state statistician for the USDA, NASS, Indiana Field Office.
"What would have been a phenomenal year for corn 10 years ago now seems average. Circumstances haven't lined up this year like they did in 2013 and 2014. And, corn condition ratings this year are below last year," stated Matli.
Indiana's corn yield is forecast at 171 bushels per acre, down 2 bushels from 2016 and from the August forecast. Total production is forecast at 918 million bushels, down 3 percent from a year ago.
Soybean yield in Indiana is forecast at 56 bushels per acre, down 1.5 bushels from last year's record high yield, but up 1 bushel from last month. Total production is forecast at 330 million bushels, up 2 percent from last year and also a new record for the state.
Michigan
Growers remain optimistic about Michigan's corn and soybean crops this year, with forecasted record production for both crops, according to Marlo Johnson, director of the USDA, NASS, Great Lakes Regional Office. This report is based on conditions as of Sept. 1. The average corn yield in Michigan is expected to be 169 bushels per acre, up 12 bushels from 2016, but down 1 bushel from the Aug. 1 forecast. Total production is forecast at 358.2 million bushels.
For soybeans, a yield of 48 bushels per acre is expected, down 2.5 bushels from last year, and down 1 bushel from last month's estimate. Total production is forecast at 109.2 million bushels.
Sugarbeet yield in Michigan is forecast at 29.9 tons per acre, down 1 ton from last month, and down .9 tons per acre from 2016. Total production is forecast at 4.2 million tons.