Source: USDA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 10/12/18

“As expected in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, the October 1 crop production report shows decreased yields for NC major commodities.” said Dee Webb, North Carolina State Statistician. “While the story will continue to unfold we wanted to take time to express our upmost appreciation to farmers for responding during this difficult time. Their voice and participation ensured quality data was provided, thus allowing USDA NASS to set estimates based on the most accurate information available.” 

Corn for grain

• Yield is forecast at 117 bushels per acre, down 25 bushels from last year’s record yield of 142 bushels per acre.

• Production is forecast to total 98.3 million bushels, down 18% from the 119.3 million bushels produced last year.

• Harvested acres are forecast at 840,000, unchanged from the acres harvested in 2017. 

Cotton

• Yield is forecast at 804 pounds per acre, down 165 pounds from last year’s yield of 969 pounds per acre.

• Production is forecast at 670,000 bales, down 10% from last year’s production of 741,000 bales.

• Harvested acres are expected to total 400,000 acres compared with 367,000 acres harvested in 2017.

Peanuts

• Yield per acre is forecast at 3,800 pounds, down 300 pounds per acre from last year’s estimate.

• Production is forecast at 376.2 million pounds, down 22% from last year’s production of 479.7 million.

• Harvested acres are projected at 99,000 acres, down 18,000 acres from 2017. 

Soybeans

• Yield is forecast to average 36 bushels per acre, down 4 bushels from last year’s record yield of 40 bushels.

• Production is forecast to total 56.5 million bushels, down 16% from last year’s production of 67.6 million bushels.

• Harvested acres are projected at 1.57 million acres, down 120,000 acres from last year.

For the full report, click here.