Colorado Sorghum Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Colorado Sorghum yield is forecast at 32.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 23.7 bu/ac below the US average of 55.7 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Sorghum yield trend
Colorado vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Colorado (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20 | 73.2 |
| 2021 | 37 | 69 |
| 2022 | 20 | 41.1 |
| 2023 | 32 | 52 |
| 2024 | 30 | 61.3 |
| 2025 | 52 | 72.6 |
| 2026 | 32 | 55.7 |
How Colorado compares
Top Sorghum-producing states, 2026 yield
| State | Yield (bu/ac) | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 85 | +52.6% |
| South Dakota | 72 | +29.3% |
| Kansas | 65 | +16.7% |
| Texas | 47 | -15.6% |
| Oklahoma | 39 | -30% |
| Colorado | 32 | -42.5% |
What this data means for Colorado Sorghum farmers
Colorado sorghum yield is forecast at 32 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 20 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 52 bu/acre. That puts it 23.7 bu/acre below the US average of 55.7 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 20 bu/acre in 2020 and 2022 to 52 bu/acre in 2025, which shows how much dryland moisture drives results. Because 32 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
Precision tools pay in Colorado mainly by protecting yield in dry years. Variable-rate seeding, soil-moisture sensing and field-level yield maps help match population and inputs to the water a field can actually supply. At the current national price of $4.312/bu, recovering 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $21,600 on 1,000 acres. Avoiding one weak season matters more than a small gain in a good one.
Precision ag platforms used by Colorado Sorghum 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 Sorghum 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 Sorghum
Why is Colorado sorghum yield below the US average?
The October forecast of 32 bu/acre is 23.7 bu/acre under the US average of 55.7 bu/acre. Colorado sorghum is largely dryland, and the state has swung between 20 and 52 bu/acre over seven seasons, so rainfall timing pulls the average down.
Is the 2026 Colorado sorghum yield final?
No. The 32 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until USDA publishes the final number.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Colorado sorghum?
Variable-rate seeding and soil-moisture data help match plant population to available water. At $4.312/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Colorado sorghum growers adopt precision tools?
Yes. EQIP offers cost-share of about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as nutrient management and residue and tillage management can support precision work, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.