By Scout Nelson
As Nebraska’s 2025 growing season moves toward harvest, it’s helpful to look back at last year’s production. In 2024, Nebraska’s corn output reached 1.80 billion bushels, a 4% increase from 2023, making it the third-largest corn crop ever recorded in the state. Soybean production was also higher at 301.3 million bushels, up 13% from the year before.
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) provided county-level data for corn in 60 counties, covering 72% of statewide production. Soybean production data was available for 50 counties, which made up 66% of the total population.
York County led Nebraska in corn production with 48.8 million bushels, followed closely by Custer County with 48.2 million and Hamilton County with 45.6 million bushels. Most top-producing corn counties are along the Interstate 80 and Platte River corridor, from York and Fillmore in the east to Dawson and Phelps in the west. Custer County remains an exception outside this corridor but continues to be among the leaders.
Soybean production in 2024 was highest in Fillmore and Antelope Counties, with 8.16 and 7.56 million bushels, respectively. Gage County followed at 7.40 million bushels. Historically, Saunders County led in soybean production, but it has not reported data since 2023. Soybean output continues to be strongest in the eastern third of the world.
According to the July 14 Crop Progress Report, Nebraska’s corn crop is rated 77% in good-to-excellent condition. This is like 2021 and 2024, both strong production years. With more planted acres this season, counties could see another large harvest.
Soybeans are rated 71% good-to-excellent, down 6% from the previous week. While conditions are not as strong as 2021 or 2024, they are better than 2022 or 2023. However, reduced soybean acreage may limit total output this year.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans