Minnesota Soybeans Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Minnesota Soybeans yield is forecast at 49.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 4.1 bu/ac below the US average of 53.1 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Soybeans yield trend
Minnesota vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Minnesota (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 50 | 51 |
| 2021 | 47 | 51.7 |
| 2022 | 50 | 49.6 |
| 2023 | 48 | 50.6 |
| 2024 | 45 | 50.7 |
| 2025 | 52.5 | 53 |
| 2026 | 49 | 53.1 |
How Minnesota 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 Minnesota Soybeans farmers
Minnesota soybean yield is forecast at 49 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 3.5 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 52.5 bu/acre. It sits 4.1 bu/acre below the US average of 53.1 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons the state has ranged from 45 bu/acre in 2024 to 52.5 bu/acre in 2025. Because 49 bu/acre is a forecast, USDA can still revise it.
A lower result than last year calls for attention to the factors a grower can manage. Variable-rate seeding, zone-based fertility and drainage planning help protect yield on uneven fields. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 — Minnesota Soybeans
Is the 2026 Minnesota soybean yield final?
No. The 49 bu/acre figure is USDA's October forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate for now.
Why is Minnesota soybean yield below the US average?
The forecast of 49 bu/acre is 4.1 bu/acre under the US average of 53.1 bu/acre. A shorter season and cooler weather limit soybeans in the northern state.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Minnesota soybeans?
Seeding rates, fertility and drainage can follow field zones. At $12.10/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $60 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Minnesota soybean growers?
Yes. EQIP offers cost-share of about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Apply through the local NRCS Service Center.