Aug 21, 2025
2025 U.S. Corn Yield Increased 1.0 Bushel to 184.0 bu/ac
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
Rainfall last week favored the western and northwestern Corn Belt as well as southern locations with diminished amounts as you move further east. Over the weekend, the rainfall favored the northwestern Corn Belt once again. The forecast for this week is calling for scattered showers favoring the central and northwestern Midwest with warm temperatures to start the week and cooler temperatures to end the week.
In the August Crop Report released last week, the USDA increased the corn planted acreage by 2.1 million acres to 97.3 million. The harvested acreage was increased 1.9 million acres to 88.7 million acres. The 2024/25 corn yield was increased 7.8 bushels to a record 188.8 bu/ac.
The estimates in the August Crop Report were based on farmer surveys and satellite data. The USDA will conduct their first field survey for the September report. The satellite data on August 1st indicated a very good green index accompanied by adequate soil moisture. Since then, the weather has not been quite as good and a few limited crop tours, especially in the eastern Corn Belt, have indicated lower corn yields compared to the USDA.
There are reports of tipback on some of the corn probably due to the warmer-than-normal nighttime temperatures during July and early August especially in the eastern and southern Midwest as well as reports of pollination issues. Diseases such as Southern Rust, and tar spots are also reported for corn.
Therefore, the USDA's yield of 188.8 bu/ac may end up being the highest of the growing season. I think the eventual corn yield will end up somewhere between my current estimate of 184.0 bu/ac and the USDA's estimate of 188.8 bu/ac.
The condition of the corn crop declined 1% and is now rated 71% good/excellent. Corn silking is 97% compared to 97% last year and 98% average and the corn is 72% dough compared to 72% last year and 73% average. Corn is 27% dented compared to 28% last year and 26% average. Corn is 3% mature compared to 4% last year and 3% average.