USDA is projecting record U.S. corn yields, but the yield and crop in Minnesota is expected to be down compared to last year. University of Minnesota Crop Extension Educator David Nicolai says there is a great deal of variability in this year’s crop, mainly due to excessive rains in the west and south and that cut into yield.
USDA is estimating Minnesota’s corn yield at 191 bushels per acre, which is down from 194 in 2017. Nicolai says it is due in part to nitrogen fertilizer losses in areas with too much rain.
USDA pegged soybean yields for the state at 49 bushels per acre, up 2 bushels from last year despite losses in many fields in southern Minnesota due to heavy rains. However, Nicolai is still optimistic about the bean crop, especially with good rains in August.
The variability in the crop will also mean varying moisture levels, which will make harvest and storage a challenge. Nicolai says growing degree days have been ahead of normal for May through July so that may help.
