USDA forecasts higher production for corn in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, PA --- The USDA-NASS, Northeastern Region has released the crop production forecast for October, according to King Whetstone, director of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Northeastern Regional Field Office. The latest survey, which was conducted during the last week of September and the first week of October, included the following commodities:

Corn production in Pennsylvania is forecast at 129 million bushels, up 11% from 2022. Based on conditions as of October 1, yields are expected to average 154.0 bushels per acre, down 2 bushels from the September forecast and up 14 bushels from the 2022 average. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 840 thousand acres, up 1% from 2022.

Soybean production is forecast at 25.2 million bushels, down 1% from last year. Based on October 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 45.0 bushels per acre, down 4 bushels from last month but up 2 bushels from last year. Area for harvest is forecast at 560 thousand acres, down 5% from 2022.

Alfalfa hay and alfalfa mixtures production is forecast at 1.02 million tons, down 9% from 2022. Based on October 1 conditions, yield is expected to average 3.40 tons per acre, 0.20 ton below last year. Harvested area is forecast at 300 thousand acres, down 3% from last year.

Other hay production is forecast at 2.16 million tons, down 17% from 2022. Based on October 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 2.10 tons per acre, down 0.40 ton from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 1.03 million acres, down 1% from 2022.