Kentucky Soybeans Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Kentucky Soybeans yield is forecast at 54.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 0.9 bu/ac above the US average of 53.1 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Soybeans yield trend
Kentucky vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Kentucky (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 55 | 51 |
| 2021 | 56 | 51.7 |
| 2022 | 51 | 49.6 |
| 2023 | 55 | 50.6 |
| 2024 | 48 | 50.7 |
| 2025 | 42 | 53 |
| 2026 | 54 | 53.1 |
How Kentucky 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 Kentucky Soybeans farmers
Kentucky soybean yield is forecast at 54 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 12 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 42 bu/acre. It sits 0.9 bu/acre above the US average of 53.1 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 42 bu/acre in 2025 to 56 bu/acre in 2021. Because 54 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
After a weak 2025, the swing shows how much Kentucky soybeans depend on summer rainfall and planting date. Variable-rate seeding, zone-based fertility and drainage mapping help protect yield in the wetter and drier parts of a field. At the current national price of $12.10/bu, 5 bu/acre is worth about $60 per acre, or roughly $60,500 on 1,000 acres.
Precision ag platforms used by Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 — Kentucky Soybeans
Is the 2026 Kentucky soybean yield final?
No. The 54 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until the final number is published.
Why did Kentucky soybean yield recover from 2025?
The October forecast of 54 bu/acre is 12 bu/acre above the 2025 result of 42 bu/acre. Soybean yields swing with seasonal weather, and a better season can lift the state average quickly.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Kentucky soybeans?
Seeding rates, fertility and drainage decisions can be matched to field zones. At $12.10/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $60 per acre.
What growing conditions affect soybeans in Kentucky?
Rolling ground, variable soil depth and uneven summer rainfall all create differences inside one field. Zone maps and soil sampling help show where inputs are worth the cost.