Major Crop Yields in the USA - How much ton per acre?

In this blog, we will explore the average yield per acre for Major crops produced in the USA and some factors that influence these yields.

1. Corn (Maize):

• Average Yield: Approximately 160 to 180 bushels per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Weather conditions, soil fertility, pest management, and hybrid selection significantly impact corn yields. Improved genetics and agronomic practices have contributed to yield advancements.

2. Soybeans:

• Average Yield: Approximately 45 to 55 bushels per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Soil quality, planting date, disease and pest control, and variety selection play a crucial role in soybean yields. Adoption of genetically modified varieties has also contributed to yield improvements.

3. Wheat:

• Average Yield: Winter wheat - 60 to 70 bushels per acre; Spring wheat - 35 to 45 bushels per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Climate, soil fertility, disease management, and timing of planting and harvesting influence wheat yields. Different wheat varieties are tailored to specific growing conditions.

4. Sorghum:

• Average Yield: Approximately 70 to 100 bushels per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Sorghum is relatively drought-tolerant and thrives in warm climates. Adequate water, fertility, and pest control contribute to sorghum yields.

5. Rice:

• Average Yield: Varies based on the type of rice and region, ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 pounds per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Rice cultivation requires specific water management and soil conditions. Proper water management, disease control, and variety selection impact yields.

6. Potatoes:

• Average Yield: Varies based on the variety and region, ranging from 300 to 500 hundredweight (cwt) per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Soil quality, disease and pest control, irrigation, and appropriate planting techniques influence potato yields.

7. Barley:

• Average Yield: Approximately 70 to 90 bushels per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Barley is relatively resilient to adverse conditions, but proper fertilization, disease control, and timely planting contribute to higher yields.

8. Grapes (Including Wine and Table Grapes):

• Average Yield: Varies based on the variety and region, ranging from 5 to 10 tons per acre for wine grapes and up to 20 tons per acre for table grapes.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Proper pruning, pest control, and vineyard management practices influence grape yields.

9. Tomatoes:

• Average Yield: Varies based on the variety and region, ranging from 25 to 40 tons per acre. In India as well, farmers generally get similar yield. But difference is that in the USA, they use machines to harvest the entire field at once.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Proper irrigation, disease and pest control, and adequate nutrients influence tomato yields. Climate conditions impact fruit development.

10. Apples:

• Average Yield: Varies based on the variety and region, ranging from 300 to 800 bushels per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Proper pruning, disease and pest control, and climate conditions impact apple yields.

11. Sugar Beets:

• Average Yield: Approximately 25 to 35 tons per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Adequate water supply, disease and pest control, and proper nutrient management impact sugar beet yields.

12. Peanuts:

• Average Yield: Approximately 4,000 to 6,000 pounds per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Proper soil preparation, disease and pest control, and adequate water management influence peanut yields.

13. Canola:

• Average Yield: Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Proper seeding rates, disease and pest control, and soil fertility influence canola yields.

14. Sunflower:

• Average Yield: Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Adequate water supply, disease and pest control, and proper planting practices influence sunflower yields.

15. Dry Edible Beans:

• Average Yield: Varies based on the type and region, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds per acre.
• Factors Affecting Yield: Adequate water supply, disease and pest control, and appropriate planting practices influence dry edible bean yields.

Please note that A bushel is a unit of measurement used in agriculture to quantify the volume of dry commodities such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. It is commonly used in the United States and Canada to express the quantity of crops harvested or traded. The exact volume of a bushel varies depending on the type of commodity being measured.

For example: For grains like corn, wheat, and soybeans, a bushel is equivalent to approximately 8 gallons or 35.24 liters. For fruits and vegetables like apples, potatoes, and tomatoes, a bushel is usually defined as 32 quarts or about 9.31 gallons.