North Dakota Corn Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
North Dakota Corn yield is forecast at 132.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — 49.2 bu/ac below the US average of 181.2 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Corn yield trend
North Dakota vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | North Dakota (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 139 | 171.4 |
| 2021 | 105 | 176.7 |
| 2022 | 130 | 173.4 |
| 2023 | 143 | 177.3 |
| 2024 | 149 | 179.3 |
| 2025 | 158 | 186.5 |
| 2026 | 132 | 181.2 |
How North Dakota 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 North Dakota Corn farmers
North Dakota corn yield is forecast at 132 bushels per acre in USDA's Oct forecast for 2026, down 26 from 158 in 2025. That forecast sits 49.2 bushels below the national average of 181.2. Over the prior six years North Dakota yields ran from 105 to 158 bushels per acre, so this forecast should be read against that range. Because it is a forecast, the figure can change in later USDA reports.
Precision-ag tools earn their cost by narrowing the gap between a field's best and worst zones. At the national price of $4.81 per bushel, each extra 1 bushel per acre is worth $4.81 per acre. For example, a gain of 2 bushels per acre on 1,000 acres adds about $9,620 in gross revenue before costs. Variable-rate inputs, yield-monitor calibration and drainage or moisture records are the usual places to look for that gain.
Precision ag platforms used by North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 — North Dakota Corn
Why is North Dakota corn yield forecast down from last year?
USDA's Oct forecast puts North Dakota corn at 132 bu/acre, compared with 158 in 2025. Frost timing, spring moisture and heat during pollination or pod set drive much of the yearly swing in North Dakota. The forecast may change as USDA updates its estimates.
How much could precision agriculture add to North Dakota corn profit?
Results vary by field, but the arithmetic is simple. At $4.81 per bushel, a gain of 2 bushels per acre is worth about $9.62 per acre, or $9,620 across 1,000 acres. Compare that with the annual cost of the tools you are considering.
Which USDA programs help North Dakota corn growers adopt precision tools?
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) shares the cost of practices such as nutrient management, and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) rewards existing conservation work. Contact your local USDA Service Center for current signup details. See the North Dakota grants page on this site for eligible practices.
What local conditions affect corn yields in North Dakota?
North Dakota's short growing season and cool springs make planting date and hybrid or variety maturity the main yield levers. Field-level records of soil, planting date and weather help separate those effects from management choices.