Wisconsin Drought Wreaks Havoc on Corn and Soybean Yields
A severe drought has severely impacted corn and soybean yields in northwest Wisconsin, forcing farmers to harvest their crops earlier than usual.
The drought, which began after a promising start to the growing season, has resulted in significant crop stress, with some plants failing to produce ears of corn. The most affected areas are concentrated across northern and northwestern Wisconsin, where more than 70% of the state's land is experiencing moderate drought or worse conditions.
Crop estimates suggest that corn yields may have dropped by as much as 60-70 bushels per acre in some territories, with harvest potentially starting two weeks earlier than usual. Silage has also fallen to around 58% moisture, which can make bunker storage more difficult.
The economic impact of the drought could be substantial for affected farmers, who may struggle to recoup losses through crop insurance or commodity prices. The USDA forecasts Wisconsin corn yields at 184 bushels per acre in 2026, down 4 bpa from 188 bpa in 2025, while soybean yields are expected to reach 57 bpa, down 8.5 bushels from 65.5 bpa in 2025.