Corn

The USDA’s corn yield decreased by 2.2 bushels per acre (bu/ac) to 178.5 bu/ac in the September report. This is currently down 4.3% from last year, leading to the expectation of a smaller crop than last year. As of September 6th, 77% of Iowa’s corn crop is considered in good to excellent condition. Nationally, 56% of corn crop is considered in good to excellent condition.

Figure 1. U.S. Corn Yield (Bushels per Acre)

The expected yield per acre is down in many of the corn belt states. Iowa stands out with yield at 219 bu/ac, a 4.3% from last year. Illinois is expected to have the second largest corn crop despite yield falling by 2.3% to 209 bu/ac. Indiana and Missouri both have yields that have dropped by about 2% to 200 bu/ac and 181 bu/ac respectively. Other neighboring states like Nebraska (-8.8%), South Dakota (-15.2%), and Kansas (-16.6%) are experiencing larger percentage decreases in their corn yield. New York (15.7%) and Kentucky (11.7%) boast the largest percentage increase in yields.

Figure 2. September 2026 State Corn Yield, Bushels and Percent Change from 2025

Soybeans

The national soybean yield increased marginally from last month but is still 1.2 bu/ac short of last year’s yield. As of September 6th, 75% of Iowa’s soybean crop is considered in good to excellent condition. Nationally 58% of the soybean crop is considered in good to excellent condition.

Figure 3. U.S. Soybean Yield (Bushels per Acre)

The national soybean yield per acre is down 0.4% from last year, with Midwest states experiencing improved yields while Plains states show a drop from last year. Iowa’s soybean yield is 0.8% higher than last year at 64 bu/ac. Illinois’ boasts the nations largest yield at 66 bu/ac, an increase of 5.6 % from 2025. Indiana’s soybean yield is also up 5.9% to 63 bu/ac. Kansas’ soybean yields have seen the largest contraction, falling 27.8% from last year to 35 bu/ac. Nebraska’s soybean yield is down 8.4% to 60 bu/ac, Minnesota’s is down 6.7% to 49 bu/ac, and South Dakota’s is down 10.6% to 42 bu/ac. Missouri’s soybean yield is unchanged at 50 bu/ac.

Figure 4. September 2026 Soybean Yield, Bushels and Percent Change from 2025