Iowa Farmers Achieve Record-Breaking 2024 Corn Yields Despite Drought and Low Prices

Iowa farmers had a record-breaking harvest in 2024 despite challenges from drought and low grain prices.

According to the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, the state achieved a record yield of 211 bushels of corn per acre. In Illinois, corn yields reached 217 bushels per acre, while soybeans averaged 64 bushels per acre, as reported by the USDA.

Iowa farmer Matt Amhof noted that while the lower prices of grain are a concern, the record yields have helped mitigate some of the financial challenges.

Similarly, Illinois farmer Wesley DeClercq observed a recent rally in corn prices, benefiting his bottom line by storing grain rather than selling it immediately.

Looking ahead to the next harvest, farmers expressed optimism that the cold weather would provide benefits, such as killing bugs and diseases and helping to break up the soil. While some, like Kevin Glanz from Northeast Iowa, hoped for rain in the spring to replenish the soil, the recent weather is helping in other ways.

This story highlights the resilience of farmers in the region despite external challenges and the importance of strategic decisions in managing their crops and yields.

 

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