USDA Report Forecasts 2015 Crop Production Numbers

2015's corn crop is projected to be the third largest on record, according to the USDA.
2015's corn crop is projected to be the third largest on record, according to the USDA.

In the latest “Crop Production” report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service on Aug. 12, U.S. growers were projected to produce 13.7 billion bushels of corn for all of 2015. If the forecast comes to fruition, this will become the third largest year of production on record.

Favorable conditions have led to record-high corn production in states including Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, totaling 88.9 million acres.

At 46.9 bushels per acre, soybean producers are also experiencing a near record-high year, set to achieve the second-most productive season in history. Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Virginia are all expected to shatter previous records.

The Crop Production report also included the first forecast on U.S. cotton growth. Cotton production is predicted to reach 13.1 million 480-pound bales. Yields will average 795 pounds per harvested acre.

Finally, wheat production is forecasted to soar this year, compared to 2014. The report predicts 2.14 billion bushels this year, which is a 5 percent increase from last year.

To create its survey, the NASS surveyed 23,000 producers from across the U.S. Additionally, measurements were taken in corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton in states that see the most production. In September, a new report will focus on rye, oats, wheat and barley producers.

The Crop Production report is released each month, and it can be read online on the NASS website.