Pennsylvania corn, soybean and tobacco producers could see record crops, according to the USDA-NASS crop production forecast for October.
The latest survey, which was conducted over the last week of September and first week of October, included corn, soybean, alfalfa hay and alfalfa mixtures, other hay, and tobacco crops. The survey indicated record-high forecasts for corn, soybean and tobacco production.
Corn production is forecast at 147 million bushels, up 7% from 2020. Based on conditions as of Oct. 1, yields are expected to average a record-high 169 bushels per acre, up two bushels from the September forecast and up 31 bushels from the 2020 average. The survey forecast 870,000 acres to be harvested for grain, down 13% from 2020.
Soybean production is forecast at 29.6 million bushels, up 2% from 2020. Based on Oct. 1 conditions, yields are expected to average a record-high 52.0 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month but up six bushels from 2020. The survey forecast 570,000 acres to be harvested, down 10% from 2020.
Tobacco production is forecast at 14.2 million pounds, up 6% from 2020. Based on Oct. 1 conditions, yield is forecast to average a record-high 2,584 pounds, up 140 pounds from 2020. Acreage for harvest is forecast at 5,500 acres, unchanged from 2020.
Alfalfa hay and alfalfa mixtures production is forecast at 1.05 million tons, down 11% from 2020. Based on Oct. 1 conditions, yield is expected to average three tons per acre, unchanged from 2020. Harvested area is forecast at 350,000 acres, down 11% from last year.
Other hay production is forecast at 2.06 million tons, down 2% from 2020. Based on Oct. 1 conditions, yields are expected to average 2.40 tons per acre, up 0.20 tons from last year. Harvested area is forecast at 860,000 acres, down 10% from 2020.
The crop production report is available at www.nass.usda.gov.