State Corn Farmers Had A Record Yield In 2015

Wisconsin’s corn yields came in at a record high for 2015 at 164 bushels per acre — a trend experts expect will continue in the future.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual crop production summary, the state also saw yield increases for soybeans, potatoes, and other major crops in 2015.

Greg Bussler, the USDA’s state statistician for Wisconsin, said developments in crop management practices and genetics mean Wisconsin farmers will continue to break production records.

“A lot of the farmers are using biotech type crops for corn and soybeans, and genetics are producing better grains and yields,” Bussler said.

He said high corn yields aren’t only good for farmers, but other producers and consumers as well.

“It helps livestock producers by having to pay less for feed. It also helps the consumer down the road too, because it keeps the food costs down. It kind of benefits everyone as a whole,” Bussler said

Minnesota and Iowa corn farmers also experienced an increase, while Illinois farmers saw corn yields drop by 25 bushels per acre.