Average Corn Yield Per Acre By State
Corn is one of the most important crops grown in the United States. It is used for various purposes such as food, feed, fuel, and industrial products. Therefore, measuring the yield of corn per acre is an important task for farmers, researchers, and policymakers to assess the productivity of corn and to make informed decisions.
The Importance of Corn Yield Per Acre
Measuring corn yield per acre is important for several reasons. It helps farmers to determine the profitability of their farm operations, assess the effectiveness of their management practices, and develop strategies to improve corn yield. It also helps researchers and policymakers to evaluate the impact of weather conditions, soil properties, and agricultural practices on corn yield and to identify the factors that affect the productivity of corn.
Moreover, corn yield per acre is a key indicator of the overall agricultural productivity of a state or a region. States with higher corn yield per acre are likely to have a stronger agricultural economy, more efficient agricultural practices, and better infrastructure for transporting and processing corn.
Average Corn Yield Per Acre by State
The average corn yield per acre varies widely across the United States. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average corn yield per acre in the United States was 168.4 bushels in 2020. However, the yield varies significantly by state and by year.
In 2020, the highest average corn yield per acre was recorded in Illinois, with 208 bushels per acre. Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota also had high average yields, with 202, 190, and 182 bushels per acre, respectively. Other states with above-average yields include Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, and South Dakota.
On the other hand, some states had below-average yields in 2020. For example, the average corn yield per acre in North Dakota was only 109 bushels per acre, which was the lowest in the country. Other states with below-average yields include Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
The table below shows the average corn yield per acre by state in 2020, based on the USDA data:
| State | Average Corn Yield per Acre |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 160 |
| Alaska | N/A |
| Arizona | 140 |
| Arkansas | 184 |
| California | 170 |
| Colorado | 170 |
| Connecticut | N/A |
| Delaware | 180 |
| Florida | 130 |
| Georgia | 174 |
| Hawaii | N/A |
| Idaho | 160 |
| Illinois | 208 |
| Indiana | 185 |
| Iowa | 202 |
| Kansas | 146 |
| Kentucky | 182 |
| Louisiana | 170 |
| Maine | N/A |
| Maryland | 170 |
| Massachusetts | N/A |
| Michigan | 160 |
| Minnesota | 182 |
| Mississippi | 160 |
| Missouri | 178 |
| Montana | 130 |
| Nebraska | 190 |
| Nevada | N/A |
| New Hampshire | N/A |
| New Jersey | 160 |
| New Mexico | 146 |
| New York | 145 |
| North Carolina | 162 |
| North Dakota | 109 |
| Ohio | 177 |
| Oklahoma | 132 |
| Oregon | N/A |
| Pennsylvania | 156 |
| Rhode Island | N/A |
| South Carolina | 140 |
| South Dakota | 175 |
| Tennessee | 180 |
| Texas | 148 |
| Utah | 170 |
| Vermont | N/A |
| Virginia | 157 |
| Washington | N/A |
| West Virginia | 125 |
| Wisconsin | 181 |
| Wyoming | 142 |
It is important to note that the average corn yield per acre can vary significantly by year due to weather conditions, pests, diseases, and other factors. Therefore, it is important to use multi-year averages to assess the productivity of corn in a state or a region.
Factors Affecting Corn Yield
The productivity of corn per acre depends on several factors, including weather conditions, soil properties, agricultural practices, and genetics. Here are some of the key factors that affect corn yield:
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions, such as rainfall, temperature, and sunlight, play a crucial role in determining the productivity of corn per acre. An optimal amount of rainfall and sunlight is essential for the growth and development of corn plants. Too much or too little rainfall can lead to water stress or flooding, which can reduce the yield. Extreme temperatures, such as heatwaves or frost, can also affect the yield negatively.
Soil Properties
The soil properties, such as pH, organic matter, texture, and nutrient availability, can significantly affect the productivity of corn per acre. An optimal soil pH and organic matter content can promote healthy root growth and nutrient uptake, which leads to higher yield. The availability of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is also important for the growth and development of corn plants.
Agricultural Practices
The agricultural practices, such as tillage, planting date, crop rotation, and pest management, can affect the productivity of corn per acre. For example, reduced tillage can help to conserve soil moisture and organic matter, which can increase the yield. Planting date is also important, as it affects the length of the growing season and the likelihood of exposure to pests and diseases. Crop rotation can help to reduce the build-up of pests and diseases and improve soil health. Effective pest management is also crucial to prevent yield losses due to pests and diseases.
Genetics
The genetics of corn plants can also affect the productivity per acre. High-yielding varieties of corn are developed through selective breeding and genetic engineering to produce plants with desirable traits, such as disease resistance, stress tolerance, and high yield potential.
Conclusion
The average corn yield per acre varies widely across the United States, ranging from over 200 bushels per acre in some states to below 110 bushels per acre in others. The productivity of corn per acre is affected by various factors, including weather conditions, soil properties, agricultural practices, and genetics. Therefore, farmers, researchers, and policymakers need to work together to develop strategies to increase the productivity of corn and to ensure food security and economic growth.