Corn Production Passes 2 Billion Bushels
Nebraska’s 2025 corn production surpassed 2 billion bushels for the first time ever reaching 2.03 billion bushels according to the latest figures from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The record-setting production emanated from a record-setting number of acres harvested, 10.45 million, and a record-matching per acre average yield of 194 bushels. Production was 12% larger compared to 2024 and exceeded the previous record set in 2021 by 9%, or 173 million bushels. U.S. corn production was estimated at 17 billion bushels, also a record, with a record average yield of 186.5 bushels. Karen Braun with Zaner Ag Hedge said 2025’s yield marked the third consecutive year a record average yield was set in the U.S.
Production of Nebraska’s other primary crop, soybeans, was also larger but not record-breaking. Production, 314 million bushels, was 4% more than 2024. The state’s average soybean yield, 65.5 bushels per acre, also set a record beating he previous record set in 2021 of 63 bushels. U.S. soybean production was pegged at 4.25 billion bushels, down 3%. Yields averaged a record high 53.0 bushels per acre, up 2.3 bushels.
Figure 1. Nebraska Corn/Soybean Production (1990-2025)
Production of other Nebraska crops declined in 2025, sunflowers being the one exception (Figure 2). Sunflower production increased 45% due to more acres put into production. Wheat production last year saw the largest decline, falling 21%. Sorghum production was off 19%. Production of other crops fell between 1% - 15%.
Figure 2. Percentage Changes in Nebraska Crop Production (2025 vs. 2024)
With 2025 in the books, attention now turns to this year’s planting intentions. Market observers think farmers will shift from corn and plant more soybean acres. Positive returns appear more likely for soybeans compared to corn. Analysis by the University of Illinois Department of Consumer and Agricultural Economics show potential small positive returns for soybeans, but negative returns for corn. Observers think around 95 million acres will be planted to corn and 85 million to soybeans. In Nebraska, corn acres always outnumber soybeans by a wide margin. This is largely because corn is more profitable under irrigation and the built-in, in-state demand for corn for livestock feed and ethanol production. Since 2010, on average, Nebraska producers have planted 1.86 acres of corn to every acre of soybeans. Combined, corn and soybeans account for nearly 80% of Nebraska’s crop acres.