Kansas City, Mo. (Aug. 21, 2026) — Farm Journal’s Pro Farmer today released its highly anticipated national production estimates for the 2026 U.S. corn and soybean crops, estimating corn production at 15.344 billion bushels and soybean production at 4.572 billion bushels.

Corn: Pro Farmer estimates the 2026 U.S. corn crop at 15.344 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 173.2 bushels per acre.

Given the variables that remain between now and harvest, Pro Farmer places the corn crop within a ±1% range of 15.191 billion to 15.498 billion bushels, with a corresponding national yield range of 171.5 to 175.0 bushels per acre.

Soybeans: Pro Farmer estimates the 2026 U.S. soybean crop at 4.572 billion bushels, based on an average yield of 53.3 bushels per acre.

Because soybean production remains more sensitive to late-season weather and crop development, Pro Farmer places the crop within a ±2% range of 4.481 billion to 4.664 billion bushels, with a corresponding national yield range of 52.2 to 54.4 bushels per acre.

“What we saw throughout the week was a crop with solid potential, but also more variability and fewer bushels than appearances might suggest,” said Chip Flory, host of AgriTalk and western Crop Tour leader. “In corn, lower ear populations, shorter grain length and inconsistent field performance limited upside in a number of areas, while soybeans showed pockets of strong potential but remain more dependent on late-season weather and plant health. Crop Tour helps cut through the headline numbers and show what is actually happening in the field, and this year that firsthand perspective was especially important.”

While Crop Tour provides an important snapshot of fields at a critical point in the growing season, Pro Farmer’s final estimates extend beyond the Tour routes, combining real field data and observations with historical analysis, crop maturity and health, growing conditions, areas not directly sampled and other market intelligence to develop an independent national outlook.

“In a market with more data and forecasting tools than ever, independent, boots-on-the-ground intelligence remains incredibly valuable,” said Bill Watts, Pro Farmer Editor. “Crop Tour gives the industry a firsthand view of what’s actually happening in the field and adds important context to the other information producers and markets use to make decisions. That combination is what has made Pro Farmer’s outlook a trusted benchmark year after year.”

For complete Crop Tour results, analysis and continued coverage of the 2026 corn and soybean crops, visit ProFarmer.com.

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