Though total production of corn in Wisconsin will be down compared to last year, the amount of kernels harvested per acre may come in at an all-time high. The National Ag Statistics Service's monthly Crop Production report says corn production is forecast at 537 million bushels this fall. But as of October 1, experts predict that yields will average a record 182 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels from last year. Corn planted acreage is estimated at 3.95 million acres, of which 2.95 million acres will be harvested for grain.
Soybean production is forecast at 115 million bushels, up one percent from the previous year. The yield should be around 54 bushels per acre, which is slightly below the 2021 crop. Soybean planted acreage is estimated at 2.16 million acres with 2.13 million acres to be harvested.
Production of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures for hay is forecast at 2.23 million tons, down 24 percent from the previous growing season. Yield will also be lower at 2.50 tons per acre, down 0.70 tons per acre less than last year.
The agency noted that the forecasts in their report are based on October 1 conditions and do not reflect weather effects since that time.
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn