Pro Farmer forecasts lower U.S. corn yields compared to USDA estimates

Pro Farmer has projected that the 2026 U.S. corn crop will fall significantly below the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecast. Following a tour of seven major production states, the advisory service estimated corn production at 15.344 billion bushels with an average yield of 173.2 bushels per acre. This estimate is roughly 669 million bushels lower than the USDA's August forecast of 16.013 billion bushels and would represent the lowest yield since 2020.

In contrast, the soybean outlook suggests a larger harvest than the USDA anticipates. Pro Farmer projected soybean production at 4.572 billion bushels, which is 53 million bushels above the government estimate, citing potential for record yields if late-season precipitation remains favorable.

Market reactions to these findings included a 5.2% rise in Chicago Board of Trade corn futures, with the benchmark contract surpassing $5 per bushel. Meanwhile, soybean futures reached a 3.5-week high, topping $12 per bushel.