Illinois Soybeans Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Illinois Soybeans yield is forecast at 68.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 14.9 bu/ac above the US average of 53.1 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Soybeans yield trend
Illinois vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Illinois (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 60 | 51 |
| 2021 | 65 | 51.7 |
| 2022 | 63 | 49.6 |
| 2023 | 63 | 50.6 |
| 2024 | 64 | 50.7 |
| 2025 | 62.5 | 53 |
| 2026 | 68 | 53.1 |
How Illinois compares
Top Soybeans-producing states, 2026 yield
| State | Yield (bu/ac) | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 68 | +28.1% |
| Indiana | 63 | +18.6% |
| Iowa | 63 | +18.6% |
| Ohio | 62 | +16.8% |
| Arkansas | 59 | +11.1% |
| Mississippi | 59 | +11.1% |
| Nebraska | 59 | +11.1% |
| Louisiana | 55 | +3.6% |
What this data means for Illinois Soybeans farmers
Illinois soybean yield is forecast at 68 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 5.5 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 62.5 bu/acre. That puts the state 14.9 bu/acre above the US average of 53.1 bu/acre. Across the seven seasons on record here, yields ranged from 60 bu/acre in 2020 to 65 bu/acre in 2021 before this forecast, so 68 would be the highest of the group. Because it is a forecast, USDA can still revise the number.
Precision tools pay in Illinois by protecting a high yield base rather than chasing a rescue. At the latest national price of $12.1/bu, each extra 5 bu/acre is worth about $60 per acre, or roughly $60,500 on 1,000 acres. Variable-rate seeding, drainage-aware field mapping and zone-based fertility help find the parts of a field that lag behind the average. Even a small gain in those zones adds up quickly at this price.
Precision ag platforms used by Illinois Soybeans 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 Soybeans 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 Soybeans
Why is Illinois soybean yield above the US average?
The October forecast of 68 bu/acre is 14.9 bu/acre above the US average of 53.1 bu/acre. Illinois soybeans are grown on productive row-crop ground, and the state's yields over the last seven seasons have stayed in a tight range of 60 to 65 bu/acre before this forecast.
Is the 2026 Illinois soybean yield final?
No. The 68 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and may change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until the final number is published.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Illinois soybeans?
At $12.1/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $60 per acre. Variable-rate seeding and field-zone mapping help target inputs where yield potential differs inside a field.
Can USDA programs help Illinois farmers 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 can support variable-rate application, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.