By Scout Nelson
Nebraska farmers are expected to harvest less corn in 2026, while soybean production is projected to increase slightly despite lower yields, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The September 2026 report provides an overview of crop conditions across the state based on observations made as of September,1,2026.
Corn remains Nebraska’s largest crop, with production forecast at 1.70 billion bushels, down 16% from 2025. Harvested acreage is estimated at 9.61 million acres, down 8%, while average yield is expected to decline to 183 bushels per acre.
Soybean production is projected at 317 million bushels, up 1% from last year due to increased acreage. Harvested area is forecast at 5.29 million acres, although yields are expected to fall to 57 bushels per acre, down 8.5 bushels from 2025.
Other major crops are also expected to post lower production levels in 2026. Sorghum production is forecast at 12.9 million bushels, down 28%, with harvested acreage decreasing 20% and yields falling to 82 bushels per acre.
Nebraska’s sugarbeet crop is projected at 1.04 million tons, a 24% decrease from 2025. While harvested acreage is expected to decline significantly, yields are forecast to improve slightly to 30.2 tons per acre.
Dry edible pea production is expected to experience one of the steepest declines among Nebraska crops. Output is forecast at 192,000 cwt, down 44% from last year, driven by lower harvested acreage and reduced yields.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans