Kansas Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Kansas Corn yield is forecast at 125.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 56.2 bu/ac below the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Kansas vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Kansas (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 134 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 139 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 115 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 119 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 129 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 145 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 125 | 181.2 |
How Kansas 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 Kansas Corn farmers
Kansas corn yield is forecast at 125 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 20 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 145 bu/acre. That is 56.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the seven seasons shown, yields ranged from 115 bu/acre in 2022 to 145 bu/acre in 2025, so 125 sits in the lower half of that range. Because this is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
In a state with swings this large, precision tools earn their keep by limiting downside in hard years. At the latest national price of $4.45/bu, protecting 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $22,000 on 1,000 acres. Soil-moisture sensing, variable-rate seeding and irrigation scheduling help match inputs to the water a field can actually supply. Cutting seed and nitrogen on weaker zones can save money even when the yield outlook is poor.
Precision ag platforms used by Kansas 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 Kansas 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 — Kansas Corn
Why is Kansas corn yield below the US average?
The October forecast of 125 bu/acre is 56.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Kansas corn yields have ranged from 115 to 145 bu/acre over seven seasons, and water supply is a common limiting factor in the state.
Why did Kansas corn yield fall from 2025 to 2026?
USDA's forecast is 20 bu/acre below the 2025 result of 145 bu/acre. The forecast can still change before the final estimate, so the size of the drop may be revised.
Does precision agriculture pay for Kansas corn?
At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre protected is worth about $22 per acre. Variable-rate seeding and soil-moisture data help match inputs to the water available in each zone.
Are there USDA programs that help Kansas corn growers?
Yes. EQIP offers about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as irrigation water management and nutrient management may qualify through the local NRCS Service Center.