Corn yields in Eastern US are projected to be widely varied this fall; NC & VA hit especially hard

By Jeff Ishee

The early summer drought in the eastern United States is causing a substantial variance in projected corn yields this year. According to the USDA August Crop Production Report, issued by the National Agricultural Statistics Service on August 12, Virginia and North Carolina are two of the hardest-hit states. North Carolina expects corn for grain yields to drop by 32% from 147 bushels per acre (bpa) in 2023 to just 100 bpa this year. Virginia farmers are expected to see a statewide yield of 100 bpa also, down from 157 bpa in 2023 and resulting in a 36% drop.

All USDA projections are based on crop conditions as of August 1.

Comments by farmers on social media reflect widespread pessimism in the region. Some row-crop farmers are referring to the situation as a “double whammy” due to low corn prices. Many farmers spend anywhere from $700 - $900 per acre to plant and grow corn for grain. With # 2 yellow corn ranging from $3.80 to $4.00 per bushel, a yield of 100 bpa would mean farmers will lose a large portion of their investment.

Corn for grain projections around the Eastern US include:

2023 Yield 2024 projected yield

Alabama 164 bpa 117 bpa

Delaware 189 153

Georgia 174 149

Kentucky 187 187

Maryland 165 137

Michigan 168 177

New York 159 175

N. Carolina 147 100

Ohio 198 188

Pennsylvania 157 135