Corn production is forecast at 10.7 billion bushels, up slightly from the October forecast but down 13 percent from 2011. This represents the lowest production in the United States since 2006. Based on conditions as of November 1, yields are expected to average 122.3 bushels per acre, up 0.3 bushel from the October forecast but 24.9 bushels below the 2011 average. If realized, this will be the lowest average yield since 1995. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 87.7 million acres, unchanged from the October forecast and up 4 percent from 2011.
Soybean production is forecast at 2.97 billion bushels, up 4 percent from October but down 4 percent from last year. Based on November 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 39.3 bushels per acre, up 1.5 bushels from last month but down 2.6 bushels from last year. Compared with last month, yield forecasts are higher or unchanged across all States except for Oklahoma and Texas. Area for harvest in the United States is forecast at 75.7 million acres, unchanged from October and up 3 percent from last year.
All cotton production is forecast at 17.4 million 480-pound bales, up 1 percent from last month and up 12 percent from last year. Yield is expected to average 802 pounds per acre, up 12 pounds from last year. Upland cotton production is forecast at 16.8 million 480-pound bales, up 14 percent from 2011. Pima cotton production, forecast at 657,000 bales, was carried forward from last month.
Source: USDA NASS