Missouri Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Missouri Corn yield is forecast at 181.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 0.2 bu/ac below the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
Missouri vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Missouri (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 170 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 159 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 161 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 153 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 183 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 185 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 181 | 181.2 |
How Missouri 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 Missouri Corn farmers
Missouri corn yield is forecast at 181 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's Oct forecast, down 4 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 185 bu/acre. That puts the state 0.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Over the last seven seasons yields have ranged from 153 bu/acre in 2023 to 185 bu/acre in 2025. That is a slight step back after a strong 2024 and 2025, and well above the 153 bu/acre of 2023. Because this is a forecast, USDA can revise it before the final estimate.
Precision tools earn their keep in Missouri by managing variability between river-bottom and upland soils within the same operation. Variable-rate nitrogen and seeding match inputs to each zone, and yield monitor data shows which zones pay for the extra seed or fertilizer. At the latest national price of $4.81/bu, each extra 5 bu/acre protected or gained is worth about $24 per acre, or roughly $24,050 across 1,000 acres. Small gains matter here because the state sits almost exactly on the national average, so margin comes from field-level management.
Precision ag platforms used by Missouri 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 Missouri 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 — Missouri Corn
Why is Missouri corn yield below the US average?
The Oct forecast of 181 bu/acre is 0.2 bu/acre below the US average of 181.2 bu/acre. Missouri corn mixes productive bottomland with thinner, drought-prone upland soils, and the seven-season range of 153 to 185 bu/acre shows how much weather moves the state average.
Is the 2026 Missouri corn yield final?
No. The 181 bu/acre figure is USDA's Oct forecast and can change in later reports. Treat it as an estimate until USDA publishes the final number.
How can precision agriculture pay off for Missouri corn?
Variable-rate nitrogen and seeding reduce waste on uneven fields, and yield maps reveal zones that never repay full inputs. At $4.81/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $24 per acre.
Are there USDA programs that help Missouri corn growers adopt precision tools?
Yes. EQIP offers cost-share, about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as nutrient management can support variable-rate application, and applications go through the local NRCS Service Center.