Arkansas Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Arkansas Corn yield is forecast at 193.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 11.8 bu/ac above the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Arkansas vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Arkansas (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 184 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 184 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 173 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 183 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 187 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 182 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 193 | 181.2 |
How Arkansas compares
Top Corn-producing states, 2026 yield
| State | Yield (bu/ac) | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 229 | +26.4% |
| Iowa | 219 | +20.9% |
| Illinois | 208 | +14.8% |
| Indiana | 200 | +10.4% |
| Ohio | 200 | +10.4% |
| Mississippi | 196 | +8.2% |
| Minnesota | 195 | +7.6% |
| Idaho | 194 | +7.1% |
What this data means for Arkansas Corn farmers
Arkansas corn yield is forecast at 193 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 11 bu/acre from 182 bu/acre in 2025. That is 11.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. If the forecast holds, it would be the highest of the seven seasons shown, which range from 173 bu/acre in 2022 to 187 bu/acre in 2024 before this year. Because it is a forecast, USDA may still adjust the figure.
Arkansas corn is largely irrigated, so water and nitrogen management decide most of the margin. Surge or sensor-based irrigation scheduling and zone-based nitrogen cut pumping and fertilizer where the crop does not need them. At the current national price of $4.45/bu, 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $22,000 on 1,000 acres. Saved pumping hours and fertilizer add to that figure.
Precision ag platforms used by Arkansas Corn farmers
Overview of major platforms — features and fit for different operation sizes. No sponsored content.
Precision ag ROI calculator
Estimate annual savings for your Arkansas Corn farm based on acreage and current yield
Estimate the payback on variable-rate seeding, zone-based fertility, and overlap reduction for your farm.
Estimate only — based on industry-average implementation costs (variable-rate seeding $18/ac, zone-based fertility $22/ac, overlap reduction $9/ac; $12,000 fixed + $17/ac ongoing) and USDA yield benchmarks, not a quote.
Frequently asked questions — Arkansas Corn
How does Arkansas corn compare with the US average?
The October forecast of 193 bu/acre is 11.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Arkansas has been at or above 173 bu/acre in each of the last seven seasons.
Is the 2026 Arkansas corn yield a record or final figure?
It is neither. The 193 bu/acre number is USDA's October forecast, and USDA can revise it before the final estimate.
What precision practices pay best on Arkansas corn?
Irrigation scheduling and variable-rate nitrogen are usually the first to pay back because water and fertilizer are major costs. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre.
Does USDA help pay for irrigation or nutrient practices in Arkansas?
Yes. EQIP covers about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers on eligible practices. Applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.