Corn Yield by State
Comprehensive state-by-state corn yield data. Compare average yields, total production, and ranking for all US corn-producing states.
Corn Production by State: An Overview
The United States produces more corn than any other country, with production concentrated in the Midwestern Corn Belt. In 2024, US farmers planted approximately 90 million acres of corn and produced 15.3 billion bushels. The top 10 corn-producing states account for over 80% of total US production.
Corn yields vary widely by state due to differences in soil quality, climate, irrigation, and management practices. Illinois leads major states with 214 bu/ac average, while western dryland states like Kansas average just 138 bu/ac. Understanding your state's yield potential helps set realistic yield goals and benchmark performance.
This guide provides comprehensive corn yield data for every major corn-producing state, including average yield, total production, acreage, and ranking. Use the state-specific yield calculators for tailored estimates.
Top 10 States Ranked by Total Production
- Iowa: 13.1 million acres, 2.67 billion bushels, 204 bu/ac
- Illinois: 11.4 million acres, 2.44 billion bushels, 214 bu/ac
- Nebraska: 9.5 million acres, 1.83 billion bushels, 193 bu/ac
- Minnesota: 8.0 million acres, 1.45 billion bushels, 181 bu/ac
- Indiana: 5.5 million acres, 930 million bushels, 169 bu/ac
- South Dakota: 5.4 million acres, 821 million bushels, 152 bu/ac
- Kansas: 5.5 million acres, 759 million bushels, 138 bu/ac
- Ohio: 3.5 million acres, 578 million bushels, 165 bu/ac
- Missouri: 3.5 million acres, 525 million bushels, 150 bu/ac
- Wisconsin: 3.5 million acres, 567 million bushels, 162 bu/ac
State-by-State Yield Comparison Chart
Visual comparison of average corn yield by state:
Detailed State Yield Analysis
Let's examine the top corn-producing states in detail to understand what drives their yields:
Iowa Corn Yield
Iowa leads the nation in corn production with 13.1 million acres planted. The state's average yield is 204 bu/ac, second only to Illinois among major states. Iowa's productive loess soils (Clarion-Nicollet-Webster, Tama, Muscatine), favorable rainfall (32-36 inches annually), and ideal corn-growing climate make it the premier corn state.
Top Iowa corn counties (Washington, Sioux, Plymouth) regularly average 220+ bu/ac. The state also produces the most corn contest winners, with multiple entries exceeding 500 bu/ac in the National Corn Growers Association yield contest.
Illinois Corn Yield
Illinois averages 214 bu/ac — the highest among major corn states. The state's deep prairie soils (Drummer, Flanagan, Tama, Ipava) are among the world's most productive. Central Illinois is the highest-yielding region, with averages exceeding 220 bu/ac.
Illinois farmers plant 11.4 million acres of corn and produce 2.44 billion bushels annually. The state benefits from adequate rainfall, long growing season, and high adoption of precision agriculture technology.
Nebraska Corn Yield
Nebraska's unique advantage is irrigation — approximately 60% of the state's 9.5 million corn acres are irrigated, the highest percentage of any major corn state. This gives Nebraska a 193 bu/ac average, with irrigated fields regularly exceeding 250 bu/ac.
Nebraska's irrigated corn supports higher plant populations (34,000-38,000 plants/ac) than dryland corn (22,000-28,000 plants/ac), allowing farmers to capture maximum yield potential. The Ogallala Aquifer provides abundant irrigation water.
Other Major Corn States
Minnesota (181 bu/ac): Southern Minnesota's Clarion-Nicollet soils produce the highest yields. Northern Minnesota has a shorter growing season that limits yield potential.
Indiana (169 bu/ac): Central Indiana prairie soils produce 200+ bu/ac; southern Indiana's hilly terrain yields lower.
Ohio (165 bu/ac): Western Ohio glacial till plains produce the highest yields; eastern Ohio's variable terrain yields lower.
Wisconsin (162 bu/ac): Productive southern Wisconsin; shorter season in the north limits yield.
Kansas (138 bu/ac): Mostly dryland corn in eastern Kansas; western Kansas requires irrigation but produces well when watered.
Why State Yields Vary So Much
The 76 bu/ac gap between Illinois (214) and Kansas (138) reflects major differences in growing conditions. Several factors drive state yield differences:
State Yield Factors
- Soil quality: Iowa and Illinois have some of the world's most productive soils
- Rainfall: Corn Belt states receive 30-40 inches annually, ideal for corn
- Irrigation: Nebraska's 60% irrigated acres boost its average significantly
- Growing season length: Northern states have fewer growing degree days
- Heat stress: Southern states face more heat during pollination
- Technology adoption: Top states lead in precision agriculture and biotechnology
Using State Yield Data for Your Farm
State average yields are useful benchmarks, but every farm is different. Use state averages as a starting point, then adjust based on your local conditions:
- Compare your farm's yield to your state average to identify improvement opportunities
- Use county averages for more local benchmarks (available from USDA NASS)
- Set realistic yield goals based on your soil type and rainfall
- Track your yield trends over time to measure improvement
- Use yield data to inform hybrid selection and input decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about corn yields by state:
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about corn yield calculation
Among major corn-producing states, Illinois has the highest average yield at 214 bu/ac, followed by Iowa 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. The national average is 177 bu/ac.
Iowa produces the most corn in the US, with 13.1 million acres planted and 2.67 billion bushels produced annually. Illinois is second at 2.44 billion bushels, followed by Nebraska at 1.83 billion bushels. Together, these three states produce 45% of US corn.
The US produces approximately 15.3 billion bushels of corn annually from about 90 million planted acres. This represents about 30% of global corn production. The top 10 corn-producing states account for over 80% of total US production.
Iowa and Illinois have some of the world's most productive soils (loess and prairie silts), favorable rainfall (30-40 inches annually), long growing seasons, and high adoption of precision agriculture technology. Their central Corn Belt location provides ideal corn-growing conditions without excessive heat during pollination.
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