Wheat Double-Crop Soybeans Surpass Corn and Stand-Alone Soybeans in Southern Illinois

A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that wheat double-crop soybeans are more profitable than corn or stand-alone soybeans in southern Illinois. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service, wheat acreage in Illinois has remained relatively stable over the past decade, ranging from 470,000 to 780,000 acres.

The study projected that wheat double-crop soybeans will have an operator and land return of $309 per acre in 2027, which is $174 per acre higher than corn and $105 per acre higher than stand-alone soybeans. This advantage is attributed to the high returns from wheat double-crop soybeans in recent years, including a record-high return of $733 per acre in 2022.

The study also noted that wheat-double crop soybean system carries additional risks, such as dry weather after wheat harvest and price risks for multiple crops. However, it is recommended to evaluate the projected return advantage over multiple years rather than as a one-year opportunity.