WASHINGTON – Corn production is forecast at 13.8 billion bushels, up 28 percent from 2012, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, US Department of Agriculture (USDA). If achieved, this total will set new record production for the United States.

Yields, based on conditions as of Aug. 1, are expected to average 154.4 bushels per acre, up 31.0 bushels from 2012. If realized, this will be the highest average yield since 2009. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 89.1 million acres, unchanged from the June forecast but up 2 percent from 2012.

Meanwhile, soybean production is forecast at 3.26 billion bushels, up 8 percent from 2012. If realized, production will be the third-largest on record. Yields are expected to average 42.6 bushels per acre, up 3 bushels from last year, based on Aug. 1 conditions. If realized, the average yield will be the fifth-largest on record. Area for harvest is forecast at 76.4 million acres, down less than 1 percent from June but up slightly from 2012. Planted area for the US is estimated at 77.2 million acres, down less than 1 percent from June.

All wheat production, at 2.11 billion bushels, is up slightly from the July forecast but down 7 percent from 2012. Based on Aug. 1 conditions, the US yield is forecast at 46.2 bushels per acre, unchanged from last month but down 0.1 bushel from last year.