2020 Corn And Soybean Yields Beat USDA Projections In Illinois

By Zeta Cross, The Center Square:

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and all of the related hardships, many people can't wait to see the end of 2020.

For Illinois farmers, however, the year is ending on a double high note. Corn and soybean yields are up and prices are surging.

A few months ago, the forecast for Illinois’ 2020 corn and soybean harvests was concerning. By harvest time, however, farmers were breathing sighs of relief as yields for Illinois corn and soybeans beat US Department of Agriculture predictions. A sharp rise in commodity prices rewarded sellers, particularly those who waited until later in the season to sell.

“We’ve turned around and prices have really jumped up and continue to be positive,” Scott Gaffner, assistant secretary-treasurer of the Illinois Soybean Association, said. “As far as the commodity prices go, farmers are really happy, for sure. The buying keeps going on and we are really happy with that.”

On his land in Greenville, Gaffner harvested 10% more soybeans in 2020 than he did in 2019. His corn yield was not quite as impressive. Because of replanting and a tough battle against the water hemp weed, Gaffner’s 2020 corn harvest increased by 5% over 2019.

“The timing just happened to hit us right. The rainfall happened to hit us right. Like most areas around the state, we were right around the state average or just a little bit above it,” Gaffner said.

Since he uses technology and the latest agricultural research, Gaffner said he expects his yields to increase every year.

“With the advancement in technologies, with hybrids, with precision farming, with the conservation methods we use – all the things we are doing help to drive up yield. It’s not luck,” he said.

Gaffner is kicking himself this year because he sold much of his crop a week or two too soon. Gaffner’s brother is also a corn and soybean farmer. His brother held off from signing sales contracts and was able to get more benefit from the late surge in commodity prices.

The Illinois soybean 2020 yield is forecast to be 58 bushels per acre, according to the Illinois Crop Progress and Production Report. That is an increase of 4 bushels per acre over 2019 yields. The Illinois corn harvest is up 10% over 2019 yields, according to the CPP Report.

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