August 10, 2007

Based on August 1 conditions, Nebraska's corn crop is forecast at a record high 1.46 billion bushels, 24% above last year, according to USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service, Nebraska Field Office. Area to be harvested for grain, at 8.7 million acres, is up 12% from a year ago. Yield is forecast at a record high 168 bushels per acre, 16 bushels above last year and 2 bushels above the previous high set in 2004.

"Dryland corn yields in many counties are sharply higher than last year due to increased rainfall. This coupled with excellent irrigated corn prospects has pushed yield potential," said Joseph Parsons, director of the Nebraska Field Office.

Soybean production in Nebraska is forecast at 198 million bushels, 21% below last year's record high. Area for harvest, at 3.95 million acres, is down 21% from 2006. Yield is forecast at50 bushels per acre, unchanged from last year and just 0.5 bushel off the record high set in 2005.

Nebraska's 2007 winter wheat crop is forecast at 86.0 million bushels, up 2% from last month's forecast and 41% above last year's crop. Area for grain, at 2.0 million acres, is unchangedfrom last month and 18% above 2006. Yield is forecast at 43 bushels per acre, up 1 bushel fromlast month and 7 bushels above last year.

Sorghum yield is forecast at 95 bushels per acre, up 15 bushels from last year. However, due to sharply lower planted acres, production at 14.3 million bushels is 26% below a year ago.

Oat yield is forecast at 59 bushels per acre, 18 bushels above last year. Due to fewer acres, production of 1.77 million bushels is 22% below last year and the lowest since 1871.

Dry edible bean production is down 16% from last year, also due to fewer acres planted.

Sugarbeet production is down 28% from 2006, a result of decreased planted acreage and yield.

Alfalfa hay production is forecast to be up 8% from last year and all other hay production is up 40% due to higher yields compared to last year's drought reduced crop.