
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service has released its Crop Production 2024 Summary, revealing varied outcomes across major commodities. Here are the key highlights:
Corn:
- Production estimated at 14.9 billion bushels, down 3% from 2023
- Record high average yield of 179.3 bushels per acre, up 2.0 bushels from 2023
- Harvested area decreased 4% to 82.9 million acres
Soybeans:
- Production totaled 4.37 billion bushels, up 5% from 2023
- Average yield of 50.7 bushels per acre, a slight increase of 0.1 bushel
- Harvested area increased 5% to 86.1 million acres
- Production estimated at 14.4 million 480-pound bales, up 19% from 2023
- Yield decreased to 836 pounds per acre, down 63 pounds from last year
- Harvested area increased 28% to 8.27 million acres
Sorghum:
- Production estimated at 344 million bushels, up 8% from 2023
- Yield increased to 61.3 bushels per acre, up 9.3 bushels
- Harvested area decreased 8% to 5.61 million acres
Rice:
- Production totaled 222 million cwt, up 2% from 2023
- Average yield increased to 7,748 pounds per acre, up 107 pounds
- Harvested area up less than 1% to 2.87 million acres
These figures reflect the complex interplay of weather conditions, planting decisions, and market forces shaping U.S. crop production. The increased yields in corn, soybeans, and rice, coupled with expanded acreage for soybeans and cotton, suggest a generally positive outlook for these commodities. However, the decrease in corn production despite record yields highlights the impact of reduced planted area on overall output.