Kentucky Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Kentucky Corn yield is forecast at 193.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 11.8 bu/ac above the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Kentucky vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Kentucky (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 184 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 192 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 156 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 187 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 178 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 167 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 193 | 181.2 |
How Kentucky 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 Kentucky Corn farmers
Kentucky corn yield is forecast at 193 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 26 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 167 bu/acre. That is 11.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the seven seasons shown, yields ranged from 156 bu/acre in 2022 to 192 bu/acre in 2021 before this forecast, so 193 would be the highest of the group. The figure is a forecast, so USDA can still revise it.
Kentucky's yield swings from year to year make precision tools a tool for steadier margin. 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. Zone-based nitrogen, variable-rate seeding and drainage-aware field maps help separate productive bottomland from weaker, sloping ground. Matching inputs to those zones can limit waste in the poorer years.
Precision ag platforms used by Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 — Kentucky Corn
How does Kentucky corn yield compare with the US average?
The October forecast of 193 bu/acre is 11.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Kentucky yields have ranged from 156 to 192 bu/acre over the prior six seasons.
Why did Kentucky corn yield rise from 2025 to 2026?
USDA's forecast of 193 bu/acre is 26 bu/acre above the 2025 result of 167 bu/acre. Weather timing affects yield year to year, and the forecast can change before the final estimate.
What is the return on precision agriculture for Kentucky corn?
At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre. Variable-rate nitrogen and seeding can also reduce spending on weaker zones.
Are there USDA programs for Kentucky corn growers?
Yes. EQIP offers about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as nutrient management and cover crops may qualify through the local NRCS Service Center.