Estimates for record Kansas corn harvest continue to increase

Part of the way through fall harvest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture again lifted its estimate of the state’s record corn harvest.

The USDA is now estimating 713 million bushels of corn in Kansas, up from its initial estimate of 660 million bushels. That would put the harvest at 23 percent over last year’s harvest. Yield is estimated at 147 bushels per acre, down 1 bushel from last year.

The agency also delivered a positive national report for corn farmers who are seeing low prices for their crops: slightly lower production, increased exports, reduced stocks and higher prices. Prices on Wednesday, however, dropped 8.5 cents per bushel.

Sorghum grain in Kansas is forecast at 264 million bushels, down 6 percent from last year. Soybean production is a record forecast at 180 million bushels, up 21 percent from last year.

This story was originally published October 12, 2016 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Estimates for record Kansas corn harvest continue to increase."