Idaho Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Idaho Corn yield is forecast at 194.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 12.8 bu/ac above the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Idaho vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Idaho (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 199 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 210 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 216 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 203 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 206 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 209 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 194 | 181.2 |
How Idaho 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 Idaho Corn farmers
Idaho corn yield is forecast at 194 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 15 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 209 bu/acre. It still sits 12.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 194 bu/acre in the 2026 forecast to 216 bu/acre in 2022. Because 194 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
Idaho corn depends on irrigation, so precision tools pay most through water and nitrogen management. Soil-moisture sensing, variable-rate irrigation and zone-based nitrogen help avoid over-application and keep yield steady. At the current national price of $4.45/bu, recovering 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $22,000 on 1,000 acres. Lower pumping and fertilizer costs add to that.
Precision ag platforms used by Idaho 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 Idaho 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 — Idaho Corn
Why is Idaho corn yield above the US average?
The October forecast of 194 bu/acre is 12.8 bu/acre over the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Idaho corn is mostly irrigated, which reduces weather risk compared with rain-fed ground.
Is the 2026 Idaho corn yield final?
No. The 194 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 Idaho corn?
Soil-moisture sensing and variable-rate irrigation cut water and energy waste. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Idaho 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. Irrigation and nutrient management practices can support precision adoption, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.