Major turnaround seen in Virginia corn fields as we go into fall

22 hours ago

2 min read

By Jeff Ishee

September 13 - A new report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service indicates Virginia farmers are now on track to see an average statewide corn yield of 162 bushels per acre this fall — an extraordinary accomplishment in what was supposed to be a difficult, drought‑stressed growing season. The new projection, released on September 11, comes as harvest activities are imminent across the Commonwealth. Early estimates from the Eastern Shore to the Piedmont to the Shenandoah Valley suggest the crop held on far better than expected.

Cornfield with a sign reading Despite drought, Virginia corn yields may exceed 160 bpa this fall.

Last year set the bar high in the Old Dominion, according to the USDA. In 2025, Virginia posted its highest corn yield on record at a statewide average of 168 bushels per acre. Near-perfect summer weather in 2025 and strong statewide crop performance drove the phenomenal crop. That historic performance raised expectations heading into 2026, but by late June, many growers feared this season's corn yields would be much lower because of extreme drought conditions in many areas. A prolonged dry spell settled over much of the Commonwealth, shrinking soil‑moisture reserves and stressing non‑irrigated fields during early pollination.

The turnaround came around the 4th of July holiday. Timely thunderstorms—scattered but potent—delivered enough moisture to stabilize the crop. Some parts of Virginia received more than 3 inches of rain that week. Farmers have long used the phrase “million-dollar rain.” In this case, it may be closer to a “$300 million rain.” Cooler nights in late July and August helped preserve ear fill, and disease pressure remained relatively low. By early September, extension agents and crop agronomists suggested that fields which looked marginal in late June were suddenly showing better plant health and consistent ear development.

With combines beginning to roll over the next few weeks, farmers say the final numbers won’t be in until January of next year, but the droughty year of 2026 may still deliver a yield comfortably above 160 bushels per acre, extending Virginia’s remarkable two‑year run of strong corn production.