Over the past quarter-century, both corn and soybean yields have shown consistent growth at national and state levels. However, the ratio of corn-to-soybean yields has remained stable without any significant upward or downward trends. Despite this stability, variations exist across different states, with higher corn yields correlating to higher soybean yields. Conversely, lower yielding states tend to exhibit higher corn-to-soybean yield ratios.

Detailed Analysis of Corn and Soybean Yields Across Midwestern States

In the vibrant agricultural landscape of the greater Midwest, an intricate relationship between corn and soybean production unfolds. In 2024, the national average corn yield reached 179.3 bushels per acre, while soybeans achieved a yield of 50.7 bushels per acre. This resulted in a corn-to-soybean yield ratio of 3.54, indicating that each acre produces over three times more corn than soybeans. Since the turn of the century, this ratio has averaged around 3.49, though it has fluctuated due to various factors such as pest infestations and droughts.

Examining individual states reveals distinct patterns. Illinois leads the nation with impressive average corn and soybean yields of 206 and 63 bushels per acre, respectively, from 2020 to 2024. Meanwhile, North Dakota and Kansas show significantly lower yields, averaging 133 and 127 bushels for corn, and just 34 bushels for soybeans. Interestingly, these lower-yielding states demonstrate higher corn-to-soybean ratios, suggesting that corn productivity is relatively stronger where overall yields are lower.

This phenomenon stems from the varying degrees of variability in corn and soybean yields across different regions. For instance, Illinois's corn yields surpass those of Kansas by 62%, yet its soybean advantage is even more pronounced at 85%. Consequently, Illinois exhibits one of the lowest corn-to-soybean ratios among analyzed states, highlighting the complex interplay between absolute and relative productivity measures.

From a journalistic perspective, understanding these dynamics provides valuable insights into regional agricultural strengths and challenges. The data underscore the importance of tailored farming strategies based on local conditions. As climate change continues to reshape agriculture, recognizing these yield relationships could help farmers optimize resource allocation and enhance resilience against environmental uncertainties. Furthermore, policymakers might leverage such findings to support targeted interventions aimed at improving crop performance in less productive areas.