Minnesota Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Minnesota Corn yield is forecast at 195.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 13.8 bu/ac above the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Minnesota vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Minnesota (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 191 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 177 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 195 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 185 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 174 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 201 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 195 | 181.2 |
How Minnesota 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 Minnesota Corn farmers
Minnesota corn yield is forecast at 195 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 6 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 201 bu/acre. It sits 13.8 bu/acre above the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 174 bu/acre in 2024 to 201 bu/acre in 2025. Because 195 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
With yields already high, precision tools pay by trimming cost and managing field variability. Zone-based nitrogen, variable-rate seeding and tile-drainage planning help protect margin in wet or dry years. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 — Minnesota Corn
Is the 2026 Minnesota corn yield final?
No. The 195 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate for now.
Why is Minnesota corn yield above the US average?
The forecast of 195 bu/acre is 13.8 bu/acre over the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Productive soils and a strong corn base support results above the national figure.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Minnesota corn?
Nitrogen and seed savings often matter as much as extra bushels. At $4.45/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre.
What local conditions affect corn in Minnesota?
Cold springs, a shorter season and wet low spots shape planting and drainage choices. Tile and hybrid maturity decisions matter in many fields.