Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 9/12/17

USDA Forecasts Increased Yields for North Carolina

“The September 1 crop production report indicates an increase in yields with cotton and peanuts showing the largest potential increases in production.” said Dee Webb, North Carolina State Statistician. “Once again we understand this is a busy time of the year for farmers and by taking the time to respond, the growers ensured quality data was provided in determining crop yields and production forecasts. Their responses allowed USDA NASS to base decisions on the most accurate data.”

Corn for grain
• Yield is forecast at 142 bushels per acre, up 13 bushels from last year’s yield of 129 bushels per acre.
• Production is forecast to total 116.4 million bushels, down 4% from the 121.3 million bushels produced last year.
• Harvested acres are forecast at 820,000, down from 940,000 acres harvested in 2016.

Cotton
• Yield is forecast at 980 pounds per acre, up 334 pounds from last year’s yield of 646 pounds per acre.
• Production is forecast at 745,000 bales, up 117% from last year’s production of 343,000 bales.
• Harvested acres are expected to total 365,000 acres compared with 255,000 acres harvested in 2016

Peanuts
• Yield per acre is forecast at 4,100 pounds, up 650 pounds per acre from last year.
• Production is forecast at 484 million pounds, up 42% from last year’s production.
• Harvested acres are projected at 118,000 acres, up 19,000 acres from 2016.

Soybeans
• Yield is forecast to average 38 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year’s yield of 35.
• Production is forecast to total 63.5 million bushels, up 9% from last year’s production of 58.1 million bushels.
• Harvested acres are projected at 1.67 million acres, up 10,000 acres from last year.

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