Colorado Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Colorado Corn yield is forecast at 97.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 84.2 bu/ac below the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Colorado vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Colorado (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 116 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 129 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 121 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 122 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 116 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 133 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 97 | 181.2 |
How Colorado 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 Colorado Corn farmers
Colorado corn yield is forecast at 97 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 36 bu/acre from 133 bu/acre in 2025. It sits 84.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. The forecast is the lowest of the seven seasons shown, which otherwise ranged from 116 bu/acre in 2020 and 2024 to 133 bu/acre in 2025. Because it is a forecast, USDA may revise the number before the final estimate.
A low-yield year makes water and input discipline matter even more in Colorado. Soil-moisture sensing, variable-rate irrigation and zone-based nitrogen help direct limited water and fertilizer to the acres that can respond. At the current national price of $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre protected is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $22,000 on 1,000 acres. Cutting wasted pumping and fertilizer also lowers cost per bushel.
Precision ag platforms used by Colorado 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 Colorado 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 — Colorado Corn
Why is Colorado corn yield so far below the US average?
The October forecast of 97 bu/acre is 84.2 bu/acre under the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. The 2026 forecast is also 36 bu/acre below 2025, which suggests a difficult season for the state.
Is the 97 bu/acre figure final?
No. It is USDA's October forecast and can change as USDA updates its estimate.
How can precision agriculture help Colorado corn growers?
Soil-moisture-based irrigation and variable-rate nitrogen direct scarce water and fertilizer where they pay. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre protected is worth about $22 per acre.
Does USDA offer cost-share for Colorado irrigation and nutrient practices?
Yes. EQIP pays about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Irrigation Water Management (449) and Nutrient Management (590) are among eligible practices, with applications through the local NRCS Service Center.