Cornhusker Yields

‍Tidbits last week crushed soybean yields in Nebraska. This week Tidbits dehusks corn yields over the past 25 years. Figure 1 plots average corn yields for the state since 2000. The average yield last year was 194 bushels per acre, matching the record set in 2021 and six bushels better than 2024. An acre of Nebraska corn last year yielded almost 54% more compared to 2000. Annual yield growth over the period averaged 2.7 bushels per acre. However, most of the growth occurred between 2000-2015, when yields improved nearly 40 bushels per acre. Since 2015, yields have only grown by nine bushels.

Figure 1. Nebraska Average Corn Yields, 2000-2025

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County average yields in 2025 and 2024 are shown on maps in Figures 2 and 3. Counties colored either light blue or grey are ones where data was not provided. Maps for both years are included because fewer counties reported yields last year. Yields were reported for 46 counties in 2025 versus 60 counties in 2024. The USDA probably did not have sufficient survey responses in many counties to report an average yield. For counties with reported yields, Pawnee County had the highest yield slightly above 240 bushels per acre. Jefferson County followed with 235 bushels. Yields for 16 counties exceeded 200 bushels per acre. Box Butte County was the state’s lowest at 134 bushels per acre.

Figure 2. Average Corn Yields by County in 2025 (bushels per acre)

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Figure 3. Average Corn Yields by County in 2024 (bushels per acre)

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Last year saw significant contrast in yields between bordering counties. For example, Pawnee County’s average yield of 240 bushels per acre differed markedly from yields in bordering counties of 177, 182, 175, and 189 bushels per acre. The USDA strives to assure county yield data is robust and geographically representative of counties. The differences likely result from variances in soils, topography, access to water, management practices, or localized weather. Factors which don’t necessarily follow political boundaries — always good to keep in mind when looking at data based on political boundaries.  

Conditions for Nebraska’s corn crop entering August are worse than last year. This year 60% of the crop is rated in good-to-excellent condition versus 77% last year. The trade is expecting the USDA to trim its projected U.S. yield. The same is true for Nebraska’s yield. Excessive heat and drought conditions mean the state’s crop will likely yield less this year compared to last year. The agency’s state forecast later this month will be telling.

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