Late-Season Heat Trims Corn Yields in Central US

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Hybrid-Maize crop model has released its final predicted yield for corn in the 2026 growing season. According to the model, most irrigated sites are expected to have below-average yields, while about 75% of rainfed sites will show near-average yields.

The long-term average is based on the last 20-plus years' potential yield at each location and surrounding area.

A primary reason for the decline in yield compared to the long-term average is the impact of above-normal temperatures during the late grain-filling stages. The Hybrid-Maize Yield report notes that the warm conditions lowered yield forecasts at most sites by speeding up the corn crop's progression to the ripening phase.

Eric Hunt, a UNL ag climate scientist, emphasized that a run of nights in early September with overnight low readings remaining in the 70s Fahrenheit was very unusual. The extent of warmth from late August to the third week of September likely reduced the length of time for corn ripening by a few days.