Louisiana Soybeans Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Louisiana Soybeans yield is forecast at 55.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 1.9 bu/ac above the US average of 53.1 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Soybeans yield trend
Louisiana vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Louisiana (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 53 | 51 |
| 2021 | 52 | 51.7 |
| 2022 | 47 | 49.6 |
| 2023 | 40 | 50.6 |
| 2024 | 52 | 50.7 |
| 2025 | 53.5 | 53 |
| 2026 | 55 | 53.1 |
How Louisiana 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 Louisiana Soybeans farmers
Louisiana soybean yield is forecast at 55 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 1.5 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 53.5 bu/acre. It sits 1.9 bu/acre above the US average of 53.1 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 40 bu/acre in 2023 to 55 bu/acre in the 2026 forecast. Because 55 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
The 15 bu/acre gap between 2023 and the current forecast shows how much weather risk sits behind the average. Variable-rate seeding, drainage mapping and zone-based fertility help hold yield in stress years and trim cost in good ones. 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 — Louisiana Soybeans
Is the 2026 Louisiana soybean yield final?
No. The 55 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate for now.
Why did Louisiana soybean yield swing so much since 2023?
Yield was 40 bu/acre in 2023 and is forecast at 55 bu/acre for 2026. Soybean yield in the state moves with seasonal heat, rainfall and planting conditions.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Louisiana soybeans?
Seeding rates, fertility and drainage 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 Louisiana?
Heavy clay soils, humidity and spells of excess rain or heat shape the crop. Drainage and planting-date decisions often matter most.