Harvest 2022 Yields a Pleasant Surprise Amidst Drought

Despite significant headwinds, such as drought and costly-to-unavailable inputs, the USDA says the all-but-finished 2022 harvest season yielded stronger results than anticipated. This month, the agency predicted corn yields will average 202 bushels per acre, down from 204 last year. Soybean yields are expected to average 59 bushels per acre, down from 63 last year, a record high.

Growers in Iowa faced relatively dry conditions but caught timely rains, bolstering yields in certain areas. Looking ahead to 2023, there is growing concern over dry conditions, coming off the heels of two drought years. Statewide, about 38% of subsoil and 48% of topsoil has adequate moisture for crops, according to the latest USDA report.

Read more on yield results and moisture concerns here.