Minnesota's record corn harvest nearing completion

The latest USDA report projects Minnesota corn farmers to harvest 1.45 billion bushels of corn this fall, breaking the previous state record set in 2012 by 5 percent.

Also according to USDA, 96 percent of that record crop has already been harvested and is in storage bins located on farms, elevators and ethanol plants throughout Minnesota. Despite the large crop, farmers are 12 days ahead of last year’s harvest schedule and a full five days ahead of the five-year average.

Corn yields are also pegged to set records. Current projections are estimating Minnesota’s average corn yield at 187 bushels per acre. That’s 31 bushels per acre more than last year and 10 bushels above the previous record set in 2010.

Nationally, corn production is forecast at 13.7 billion bushels, 4 percent lower than last year’s record production. Yields are expected to be just under 170 bushels per acre, down 1.7 bushels from last year.

If the national projections hold true, it would be the second highest production and third highest overall yield on record.

THANK YOU to all the farmers out there — especially our own Minnesota corn farmers — working hard to finish harvesting food, feed, fiber and fuel for a growing world population. Also, thank you to Mother Nature for delivering a great growing season here in Minnesota. After the last couple years of wet springs and early frosts, we needed it.