Delaware farmers could see record setting harvest

Delaware farmers are seeing an increase in the soybean and corn yields compared to last month.

Good weather over the summer is translating into a bountiful harvest for Delaware farmers.

According to the Delaware Field Office of the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service, corn production estimates are up three percent from September, at 29.8 million bushels, while soybean production is forecast at 8.42 million bushels, up five percent from September.

The harvest has also surpassed 2013 production. Corn is up three percent while soybeans are up 28 percent compared to last year.

Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee said the harvest is a result of good weather over the summer and proper management from Delaware farmers.

“These good yield numbers will be a bounty for our state’s grain producers – more than 730 farms grow corn or soybeans – and for our poultry industry, which consumes most of the grain produced on the Delmarva Peninsula,” Kee said. “Together, these numbers show the resilience and strength of Delaware agriculture.”

If the yield continues at this rate, both corn and soybean producers could see a record year.

Yields for corn are expected to average 175.0 bushels per acre based on early October conditions. This would be the highest yield and production on record in the First State.

Soybean yields are expected to average a record high at 46.0 bushels per acre.

The next production forecast will be issued in November.