Average Corn Yield Per Acre
The complete guide to average corn yield per acre in the US — national averages, state-by-state comparisons, historical trends, and what's considered a good yield.
US National Average Corn Yield
The US national average corn yield is approximately 177.3 bushels per acre, based on USDA NASS data from recent years. This average has steadily increased from just 25 bushels per acre in the 1930s thanks to improvements in hybrid genetics, fertilizer use, precision planting, and pest management.
The record US national average yield was 177.3 bu/ac, set in 2021. Year-to-year variation is significant, driven primarily by weather conditions during the critical July pollination and August grain fill periods. Drought years can drop the national average 15-20 bu/ac; ideal weather can push it 5-10 bu/ac above trend.
Corn yields have increased approximately 1.8 bushels per acre per year over the past 50 years. This steady improvement is one of agriculture's greatest success stories, driven by hybrid genetics (50-60% of gain), improved fertility management (15-20%), and better pest control, equipment, and precision agriculture (25-30%).
Top 10 Corn States by Average Yield
Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska consistently rank among the highest-yielding states:
- Illinois: 214 bu/ac (highest major state)
- Iowa: 204 bu/ac (most acres)
- Nebraska: 193 bu/ac (60% irrigated)
- Minnesota: 181 bu/ac
- Indiana: 169 bu/ac
- Ohio: 165 bu/ac
- Wisconsin: 162 bu/ac
- South Dakota: 152 bu/ac
- Missouri: 150 bu/ac
- Kansas: 138 bu/ac (mostly dryland)
Washington state has the highest per-acre yields in the US (220+ bu/ac) due to irrigation, but produces far fewer total acres than the Corn Belt states.
Average Corn Yield by State Chart
Visual comparison of state corn yields versus the national average:
Historical Trend: Corn Yield Improvement
The improvement in US corn yields over the past century is one of agriculture's greatest success stories:
- 1930s: 25 bu/ac (open-pollinated varieties)
- 1950s: 50 bu/ac (first hybrids)
- 1970s: 90 bu/ac (single-cross hybrids)
- 1990s: 120 bu/ac (Bt and herbicide tolerance)
- 2010s: 155 bu/ac (precision agriculture)
- 2020s: 175+ bu/ac (stacked traits, data-driven management)
Despite this impressive progress, yield growth has slowed in recent years. From 2005-2015, yields improved 2.2 bu/ac/year. From 2015-2025, improvement slowed to 1.0 bu/ac/year. Some experts believe we may be approaching yield plateaus in some regions, though new technologies like CRISPR gene editing and AI-driven management may unlock new gains.
What Is Considered a Good Corn Yield?
Yield benchmarks vary by region, soil type, and weather, but here are general guidelines for US corn production:
- Excellent: 220+ bu/ac (top 10% of farms)
- Above average: 200-220 bu/ac
- Average: 170-200 bu/ac (US average is 177)
- Below average: 140-170 bu/ac
- Poor: 100-140 bu/ac (stress year)
- Crop failure: Under 100 bu/ac
Contest-winning yields (National Corn Growers Association) regularly exceed 500 bu/ac, with the current record at 615 bu/ac set by David Hula in 2019. These yields require ideal soils, perfect weather, intensive management, and significant input investment.
Factors Affecting State Average Yields
Why do some states consistently outperform others? Several factors contribute to yield differences:
State Yield Factors
- Soil quality: Iowa's loess soils and Illinois's prairie silts are among the world's most productive
- Rainfall: Corn Belt states typically receive 30-40 inches of rain annually, ideal for corn
- Climate: Long growing season with adequate heat units, but not extreme heat during pollination
- Irrigation: Nebraska's 60% irrigated acres boost its average above dryland states
- Technology adoption: Top states lead in precision agriculture and biotechnology adoption
- Farm size and management: Larger, more specialized operations tend to achieve higher yields
Global Corn Yield Comparison
The US leads the world in corn yields, but other countries are catching up:
- United States: 11.1 tonnes/ha (177 bu/ac)
- China: 6.5 tonnes/ha (103 bu/ac)
- Argentina: 7.0 tonnes/ha (111 bu/ac)
- Brazil: 5.6 tonnes/ha (89 bu/ac)
- European Union: 7.5 tonnes/ha (119 bu/ac)
- Global average: 5.8 tonnes/ha (92 bu/ac)
The US yield advantage comes from superior genetics, precision agriculture technology, irrigation infrastructure, and intensive management practices. As other countries adopt these technologies, the yield gap is narrowing.
How to Improve Your Corn Yield
If your yields are below the state or national average, several management changes can help close the gap:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about average corn yields:
How to Improve Your Corn Yield
Soil Testing
Test every 2-4 years. Maintain pH 6.0-6.8, P 20-30 ppm, K 150-200 ppm.
Hybrid Selection
Pick 3-5 adapted hybrids with different maturities to spread risk.
Timely Planting
Plant in late April-early May for maximum yield potential.
Nitrogen Management
Apply 1-1.2 lb N per bushel expected. Split applications improve efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about corn yield calculation
The US national average corn yield is approximately 177.3 bushels per acre (USDA NASS, 2021). This average has increased from just 25 bu/ac in the 1930s, an improvement of about 1.8 bu/ac per year driven by hybrid genetics, fertilizer use, and precision agriculture.
Illinois has the highest average corn yield among major corn states at 214 bu/ac. Iowa is close behind at 204 bu/ac. Washington state has the highest yields on a per-acre basis (220+ bu/ac) for irrigated corn, but produces far fewer total acres.
A good corn yield is 175-220 bushels per acre, with the US average being 177. Yields above 200 are considered above average; above 250 is exceptional. Below 150 bu/ac may indicate soil, weather, or management limitations.
US corn yields have increased from 25 bu/ac in the 1930s to 177+ bu/ac today — a 7x improvement. This represents about 1.8 bu/ac annual gain, driven by hybrid genetics (50-60%), improved fertility (15-20%), and better pest management and equipment (25-30%).
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