Illinois Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Illinois Corn yield is forecast at 208.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 26.8 bu/ac above the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Illinois vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Illinois (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 191 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 202 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 214 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 206 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 217 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 214 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 208 | 181.2 |
How Illinois 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 Illinois Corn farmers
Illinois corn yield is forecast at 208 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 6 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 214 bu/acre. It still sits 26.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 191 bu/acre in 2020 to 217 bu/acre in 2024. Because 208 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
In Illinois, precision tools pay by managing variability inside fields that already yield well. Zone-based nitrogen, variable-rate seeding and tile-drainage planning help trim cost and protect yield in wet or dry stretches. 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. Nitrogen savings on high-yield zones add to the return.
Precision ag platforms used by Illinois 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 Illinois 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 — Illinois Corn
Why is Illinois corn yield above the US average?
The October forecast of 208 bu/acre is 26.8 bu/acre over the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Illinois has deep, fertile soils and a favorable climate for corn.
Is the 2026 Illinois corn yield final?
No. The 208 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. It is an estimate until USDA publishes the final number.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Illinois corn?
Zone-based nitrogen and variable-rate seeding cut waste across variable fields. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Illinois 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.