September 16, 2021
BY Erin Krueger
The USDA currently predicts U.S. corn yields will average 176.3 bushels per acre this year, up 1.7 bushels from the August forecast and up 4.3 bushels when compared to 2020, according to the agency’s latest Crop Production report, released Sept. 10.
USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service currently forecasts record high corn yields for California, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania.
Acres planted to corn are at 93.3 million, up 3 percent when compared to 2020. Area to be harvested for grain is forecast at 85.2 million acres, up 1 percent from forecasts included the August Crop Production report and up 3 percent from last year.
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As of Aug. 29, 60 percent of this year’s corn crop was reported in good or excellent condition, down 2 percent when compared to the same time last year.
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The USDA significantly increased its estimate for 2025-’26 soybean oil use in biofuel production in its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report, released July 11. The outlook for soybean production was revised down.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency is implementing multiple changes to the Camelina pilot insurance program for the 2026 and succeeding crop years. The changes will expand coverage options and provide greater flexibility for producers.
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service on June 30 released its annual Acreage report, estimating that 83.4 million acres of soybeans have been planted in the U.S. this year, down 4% when compared to 2024.