Neb. corn farmers expecting record production, yield.

Nebraska corn farmers are on par to post record production and yields this year, according to an estimate released Friday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA estimated that corn farmers statewide will bring in a record-high 1.55 billion bushels of corn and a new record average of 169 bushels per acre.

For those not "farming-inclined," a bushel is measured as 56 pounds, and an acre in 4,840 square yards – about the same size as a football field.

Production previously had peaked at 1.47 billion bushels in 2007, and yield at 166 bushels per acre in 2004.

"It's obviously just a projection," said Randy Klein, director of market development for the Nebraska Corn Board, a self-help program funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers.

The USDA study utilizes survey work to monitor and compile the expected yield and production, Klein said, "but we should be in pretty good shape."

"It's been a very good, very productive year," he said.

Economically speaking, the new highs should be generally beneficial, according to Darrell Mark, associate professor of agricultural economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

"When we have record corn yield – generally, whenever you have more supply – you have lower prices," Mark said. "On a local basis, and nationally, corn prices are going to go down."

Lower prices aren't necessarily a bad thing, however. According to Mark, the larger grain volume gives more work to the people who handle grain, like those who work in grain elevators. In addition, it allows the livestock and ethanol industry to reap benefits from the large volume of cheap grain.

"In terms of yield, corn has seen a trend-line increase for many years," Mark said.

According to the Corn Board, Nebraska's corn production has risen 43 bushels per acre since 2000. Product evolution and the advent of biotech seed are two of the many factors Klein uses to explain the constant rise.

"It's all about improving the products farmers have available," he said.

Today, Klein explained, the United States produces five to six times as much corn than in the ‘30s, and on 20 percent less land.

Historically, Klein said, production average has risen about 1.5 bushels every year. However, in the last 10 years, this rise in average has been closer to 3 bushels per year.

jacegatzemeyer@
dailynebraskan.com