The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its Crop Production 2023 Summary, painting a vivid picture of the nation's agricultural landscape. The report reveals a year of extremes, with some crops reaching unprecedented highs, while others faced significant declines.
Corn surges to record production levels
Corn for grain production in 2023 soared to a historic high of 15.3 billion bushels, marking a remarkable 12 percent increase from the previous year's estimate. The average yield in the United States also reached an all-time high at 177.3 bushels per acre, surpassing the 2022 yield by 3.9 bushels. The area harvested for grain witnessed a substantial 10 percent increase, reaching 86.5 million acres. These record figures showcase the resilience of the corn industry and the efficiency of modern agricultural practices.
Sorghum sees unprecedented growth
Sorghum grain production in 2023 witnessed an exceptional surge, reaching 318 million bushels— a staggering 69 percent increase from the 2022 total. The planted area for sorghum in 2023 was estimated at 7.20 million acres, up by 14 percent from the previous year. The area harvested for grain experienced a notable 34 percent increase, totaling 6.12 million acres. With a grain yield estimated at 52.0 bushels per acre, up by 10.9 bushels from 2022, sorghum stands out as a high-performing crop in 2023.
Rice production achieves significant growth
Rice production in 2023 reached a total of 218 million hundredweight (cwt), reflecting a substantial 36 percent increase from the 2022 total. The planted area for rice in 2023 was estimated at 2.89 million acres, up by 30 percent from the previous year. The area harvested also saw growth, rising by 32 percent to 2.85 million acres. The average yield for all U.S. rice reached 7,649 pounds per acre, marking an increase of 264 pounds from the 2022 average yield.
Soybean production faces a dip
Soybean production in 2023 totaled 4.16 billion bushels, indicating a 2 percent decrease from the previous year. Despite the decline in production, the average yield per acre increased to 50.6 bushels, up by 1.0 bushel from 2022. Harvested area, however, experienced a 4 percent decrease, reaching 82.4 million acres.
Cotton production declines amid challenges
All cotton production in 2023 is estimated at 12.4 million 480-pound bales, marking a significant 14 percent decrease from 2022. The yield per acre is estimated at 845 pounds, down by 108 pounds from the previous year. Harvested area for cotton, at 7.06 million acres, also faced a 3 percent decline from the previous year.
The Crop Production 2023 Summary reflects the resilience of the U.S. agricultural sector in navigating challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, highlighting the dynamic nature of the nation's crop production landscape.
