October 12, 2007

Based on October 1 conditions, Nebraska's corn crop is forecast at 1.51 billion bushels, virtually unchanged from last month and 28% above last year, according to an October 12 report from USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office.

Corn yield is forecast at a record 168 bushels per acre, 6 bushels below last month but 2 bushels above the previous high set in 2004. Area to be harvested for grain was increased 300,000 acres to 9.0 million, 16% above a year ago.

Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at 195 million bushels, 5% below last month and 22% below last year. Area for harvest, at 3.75 million acres, was lowered 200,000 acres and is down 25% from 2006. Yield is forecast at a record high 52 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month and 1.5 bushels above the previous high set in 2005.

Sorghum yield is forecast at 98 bushels per acre, unchanged from the previous month and up 18 bushels from last year. However, due to an increase in harvested acres, production is forecast at 23.5 million bushels, up 60% from last month and 23% above a year ago.

Sunflower production is down 13% from a year earlier.

Dry edible bean production is down 11% from last year, due to fewer acres planted.

Sugarbeet production is down 23% from 2006, also a result of fewer acres planted.

Alfalfa hay production is forecast to be 11% higher than last year and all other hay production is up 40% due to higher yields compared to last year's drought reduced crop.

Acreage updates to planted and harvested acres were made from levels published in the September Crop Production Report based on a review of administrative data.