Kentucky Crops Forecast to Hit Record Highs in 2023

Monday, August 14, 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has released its crop production report for Kentucky, and the numbers are impressive. Corn production is forecast to reach 270 million bushels, up 28% from the previous crop. Wheat production is expected to reach 40.5 million bushels, up 35% from last year. Soybean production is also forecast to increase, to 104 million bushels.

These forecasts are due to a combination of factors, including favorable weather conditions and increased plantings. Corn and wheat yields are expected to be record-breaking, and farmers are planting more acres of these crops in response to strong demand and high prices.

The record-breaking harvests are good news for Kentucky farmers, who are facing rising input costs. The high yields and increased production should help to offset these costs and boost farm income. The good news is also expected to trickle down to consumers, who may see lower prices for corn, wheat, and soybeans in the coming months.

Here are some details from the NASS report:

Corn yield is forecast to average 186 bushels per acre, up 30 bushels from the 2022 level.

Wheat yield is forecast to average 88 bushels per acre, up 8 bushels from 2022.

Soybean yield is forecast to average 55 bushels per acre, up 4 bushels from a year ago.

Alfalfa hay production is forecast to reach 330,000 tons, 17% below the 2022 level.

Other hay production is estimated at 4.68 million tons, up 11% from last year.

The NASS report also forecasts that Kentucky Burley tobacco production will reach 58 million pounds in 2023, up 15% from the previous year. Burley tobacco yields are expected to be the highest on record in Kentucky, and harvested acreage is expected to increase slightly.

The increased production is good news for Kentucky farmers, who are facing rising input costs. The higher yields will help to offset some of the increased costs, and the record crops could lead to increased exports and higher prices.