Pro Farmer projects 2026 U.S. corn output at 15.34 billion bushels, soybeans at 4.57 billion

Pro Farmer’s latest crop outlook, based on field observations from seven Midwestern states during its annual four-day Crop Tour, puts the 2026 U.S. corn crop at 15.344 billion bushels, reflecting an average yield of 173.2 bushels per acre. The USDA’s August estimate had projected a higher national average yield of 180.7 bushels per acre.

"What we saw throughout the week was a crop with solid potential, but also more variability and fewer bushels than appearances might suggest," said Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk and western Crop Tour leader. "In corn, lower ear populations, shorter grain length and inconsistent field performance limited upside in a number of areas."

For soybeans, Pro Farmer forecasts a 2026 output of 4.572 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 53.3 bushels per acre, compared with the USDA’s recent estimate of 52.7 bushels per acre. The organization noted that pod counts were below last year’s record levels but expected soil moisture to support the crop through the season.

"While pod counts were consistently below last year’s historically high or record figures, soil moisture will help carry the crop through the end of the season, even if precipitation slows down," said Pro Farmer economist Lane Akre, who led the tour’s eastern leg.