USDA Forecasts Decline in Corn Production, Increased Soybeans

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its September crop production report on September 11, 2026. The report forecasts a decline in corn production for grain, with a projected 15.8 billion bushels, a decrease of 1 percent from the previous forecast and 7 percent below the 2025 level.

The average corn yield is expected to be 178.5 bushels per acre, down 2.2 bushels from the previous forecast and 8.0 bushels lower than 2025. Soybean production for beans is forecast at 4.53 billion bushels, an increase of less than 1 percent from the previous forecast and 6 percent above 2025.

Cotton production is projected at 13.2 million 480-pound bales, down 3 percent from the previous forecast and 5 percent below 2025. The average cotton yield is expected to be 776 pounds per harvested acre, a decrease of 22 pounds from the previous forecast and 76 pounds lower than 2025.