Michigan Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Michigan Corn yield is forecast at 180.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 1.2 bu/ac below the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Michigan vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Michigan (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 153 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 174 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 168 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 168 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 181 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 178 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 180 | 181.2 |
How Michigan 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 Michigan Corn farmers
Michigan corn yield is forecast at 180 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, up 2 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 178 bu/acre. It sits 1.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 153 bu/acre in 2020 to 181 bu/acre in 2024. Because 180 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
Michigan is close to the national average, so gains come from managing variable soils, from sandy ground to heavier loams. Zone-based nitrogen, variable-rate seeding and irrigation scheduling on lighter soils help close the gap. At the current national price of $4.45/bu, 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $22,000 on 1,000 acres.
Precision ag platforms used by Michigan 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 Michigan 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 — Michigan Corn
Is the 2026 Michigan corn yield final?
No. The 180 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until it is finalized.
How does Michigan corn yield compare with the US average?
The forecast of 180 bu/acre is 1.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. The state is close to the national figure.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Michigan corn?
Nitrogen, seed and irrigation can be matched to soil zones. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre.
What growing conditions affect corn in Michigan?
Soils range from sandy to heavy, and the growing season is shorter than in the southern Corn Belt. Hybrid maturity and water-holding capacity both matter.