By Scott Irwin and Darrel Good
Editor's note: This article is taken from the University of Illinois farmdocDaily website. Follow this link to view the original: "Where should we be now with corn yield expectations".
Based on an analysis of the recent trend in the U.S. average corn yield and a near record early planted crop, the USDA's May and June WASDE reports indicated prospects for a record U.S. average corn yield of 166 bushels in 2012. With much of the Corn Belt crop now entering the critical stage of the growing season, this seems to be an appropriate time to re-assess yield prospects.
Corn Yields Will Likely Fall Short of USDA Estimates
To date, weather conditions have been generally favorable for crop development in a portion of the Northwest Corn Belt and in some far eastern growing areas. This is reflected in the crop condition ratings included in the USDA's weekly Crop Progress report. As of June 24, 71% or more of the crops in Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota were rated in good or excellent condition. Weather conditions have been far less favorable in the areas traditionally identified as the Eastern Corn Belt and in a few states in the western Corn Belt. As of June 24, 51% or less of the crops were rated in good or excellent condition in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. Ratings were especially low in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. The rest of the states included in the weekly report (Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, Texas, and Wisconsin) had 60% to 68% of the crops rated in good or excellent condition.