Corn Yield Estimates Plummet After Pro Farmer Crop Tour

Pro Farmer's Crop Tour scouts found a season full of surprises when they hit the fields across the Corn Belt. Instead of a record-breaking crop, they discovered weather issues had taken their toll on the yield potential.

This year's national corn yield could be below 180 bu. per acre, according to Pro Farmer's final estimate, which is significantly lower than USDA's current projection of 180.7 bu. per acre.

The I-states of Illinois and Indiana had their own set of problems, with scouts finding a tradeoff between ear counts and ear length. The states' yields came in well below USDA's estimates, with Illinois landing at just under 194 bu. per acre and Indiana at around 180 bu. per acre.