Iowa Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Iowa Corn yield is forecast at 219.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 37.8 bu/ac above the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Iowa vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Iowa (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 177 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 204 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 200 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 201 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 211 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 210 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 219 | 181.2 |
How Iowa 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 Iowa Corn farmers
Iowa corn yield is forecast at 219 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 9 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 210 bu/acre. It sits 37.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 177 bu/acre in 2020 to 219 bu/acre in the 2026 forecast. Because 219 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
In a high-yield state like Iowa, precision tools pay by managing margins rather than chasing yield. Zone-based nitrogen, variable-rate seeding and drainage-aware fertility planning help trim cost where soils already produce well. 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. Saving nitrogen on the strongest zones adds to that.
Precision ag platforms used by Iowa 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 Iowa 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 — Iowa Corn
Why is Iowa corn yield well above the US average?
The October forecast of 219 bu/acre is 37.8 bu/acre over the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Iowa has deep, productive soils and a favorable growing climate for corn.
Is the 2026 Iowa corn yield final?
No. The 219 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 Iowa corn?
At high yields, savings on nitrogen and seed often matter as much as extra bushels. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Iowa corn 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. Nutrient management and cover crop practices can support precision work, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.