Source: UDSA'S NASS NC FIELD OFFICE, 8/12/20

“We, in USDA/NASS recognize this is a hectic time of the year for farmers and want to express our sincere appreciation for their time in completing the monthly Agricultural Yield Survey,” said Dee Webb, North Carolina State Statistician. “It is during these times that quality, reliable agricultural data are vital to assist farmers in their decision making, as well as being vital for organizations supporting the NC agriculture industry. By responding, the growers provided essential information for crop yields that helped determine monthly production forecasts and ensured USDA decisions are based on the most accurate data.” 

Corn for grain • Yield estimate of 131 bushels per acre is up 20 bushels from last year’s yield of 111 bushels per acre. • Production forecast at 125.8 million bushels is up 22% from the 103.2 million bushels produced last year. • Harvested acres projected at 960,000 are up from the 930,000 acres harvested in 2019. 

Cotton • Yield estimate of 823 pounds per acre is down 175 pounds from last year’s yield of 998 pounds per acre. • Production forecast at 600,000 bales is down 42% from last year’s production of 1 million bales. • Harvested acres projected at 350,000 are down from the 500,000 acres harvested in 2019.

Peanuts • Yield estimate of 4,000 pounds per acre is down 350 pounds from last year’s estimate of 4,350 pounds per acre. • Production forecast at 412.0 million pounds is down 7% from last year’s production of 443.7 million. • Harvested acres projected at 103,000 acres are up from the 102,000 acres harvested in 2019. Soybeans • Yield estimate of 37 bushels per acre is up 2 bushels from last year’s yield of 35 bushels. • Production forecast at 58.1 million bushels is up 9% from last year’s production of 53.2 million bushels. • Harvested acres projected at 1.57 million acres are up 50,000 acres from last year.

Flue-Cured Tobacco • Yield estimate of 1,700 pounds per acre is down 300 pounds from last year. • Production forecast at 170 million pounds per acre is down 27% from last year’s production of 234 million pounds. • Harvested acres projected at 100,000 acres are down 17,000 acres from 2019. 

Winter Wheat • Yield estimate of 60 bushels per acre is up 4 bushels per acre from 2019. • Production forecast at 22.8 million bushels per acre is up 81% from last year’s production of 12.6 million bushels. • Harvested acres projected at 380,000 acres are up 155,000 acres from last year.

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