The U.S. Department of Agriculture released its August Crop Production report Tuesday, forecasting a mixed outlook for major U.S. crops in 2025. Corn production is projected to rise 13% from 2024, reaching 16.7 billion bushels, while soybean output is expected to decrease 2% to 4.29 billion bushels.
Corn yields are forecast at a record high of 188.8 bushels per acre, up 9.5 bushels from last year, with record yields anticipated in states including Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin. As of August 3, 73% of the U.S. corn crop was rated in good to excellent condition, six points higher than at the same time in 2024.
Soybean yields are also expected to reach record highs at 53.6 bushels per acre, up 2.9 bushels from 2024. Potential record yields are forecast across Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, and Virginia.
All wheat production is forecast at 1.93 billion bushels, down 2% from 2024. Winter wheat is expected to reach 1.36 billion bushels, a slight increase from the previous forecast, while durum wheat production is projected at 87.4 million bushels, up 9% from last year. Other spring wheat is forecast at 484 million bushels, down 11% from 2024, with average yields across all wheat at 52.7 bushels per acre, up 1.5 bushels from last year.
The report also provided the first production forecast for U.S. cotton this season, estimating total output at 13.2 million 480-pound bales, down 8% from 2024. Cotton yields are expected to average 862 pounds per harvested acre, 24 pounds below last year’s results. Additionally, forecasts for specialty crops such as apples, cranberries, grapes, peaches, and pears were included.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service conducted interviews with approximately 14,900 producers nationwide to prepare the report. The agency is now preparing for its September Agricultural Survey, which will collect final data on acreage, yields, and stored grains and oilseeds.
