Soybean Yields Continue Growth
Farmers and grain markets are focused on this year’s potential corn and soybean yields. And rightfully so, as yields are a major factor in production, supply, and ultimately prices for the next year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is presently projecting average U.S. yields of 183.0 bushels per acre for corn and 53.0 bushels for soybeans. State-level forecasts will be forthcoming in August. Tidbits, though, isn’t quite ready to turn the page to this year. So, this week Tidbits will take a closer look the history of soybean yields in Nebraska. Next week will focus on corn.
Nebraska’s average soybean yield last year was a record-setting 65.5 bushels per acre, exceeding the previous record set in 2021 by 2.5 bushels and 8 bushels higher than 2024 (Figure 1). Last year’s yield extended the growth in productivity seen in the first quarter of the century. Yields since 2000 have increased 72%, an average increase of 1.1 bushels per year. The growth is due to better seed genetics, improved management, additional irrgated acres, and the adoption of precision technologies.
Figure 1. Nebraska Average Soybean Yields, 2000-2025
County average yields in 2024 and 2025 are shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. Data is not reported for counties in grey. Maps for both years are included because fewer counties reported yields last year. Data was reported for 37 counties for 2025 versus 51 counties for 2024. Soybeans were not produced in some of these counties, but it’s also likely USDA did not have sufficient survey response rates in many of them to calculate an estimate. Farmers in Hall County reported the highest average yield last year at 75.4 bushels per acre, with Kearney County nipping at their heels with an average yield of 75.3 bushels. Both counties eclipsed 2024’s top yield in Lincoln County by just over 2 bushels per acre. In all, eight counties had average yields exceeding 70 bushels last year compared to just one the year prior. The average yield in Boyd County was the state’s lowest at 47.8 bushels per acre. Climate, soils, topography, different production systems, and access to irrigation play a role in the yield differences.
Figure 2. Average Soybean Yields by County, 2025
Figure 3. Average Soybean Yields by County, 2024
Market observers expect the USDA will trim its projected U.S. yield estimate prior to harvest given the recent spate of hot, dry weather. It will be interesting to see where the agency pegs Nebraska yield in its August projections. Average yields in Nebraska have grown from 38 bushels per acre in 2000 to 65.5 bushels last year. The continued growth demonstrates Nebraska farmers’ commitment to innovation and their willingness to look at new technologies to grow and improve, benefitting both farmers and the Nebraska economy.