Nebraska Reports Strong 2025 Crop Output

By Scout Nelson

Nebraska’s 2025 crop production showed a mix of gains and declines across major crops. Strong corn and soybean yields lifted total grain output, while several forage and specialty crops recorded noticeable changes compared to the previous year.

Corn production returned to high levels, with total grain output reaching more than 2 billion bushels. Farmers harvested 10.5 million acres of corn for grain, which was higher than the previous year. Average corn yield rose to 194 bushels per acre, helping boost overall production. Corn planted for all uses also increased, showing strong confidence in the crop. In contrast, corn silage production declined, with fewer acres harvested for silage.

Soybean production has increased as well. Although fewer acres were harvested, improved yields supported higher total production. Average soybean yield rose to 65.5 bushels per acre. This gain helped offset the decline in planted and harvested acres.

Grain sorghum production declined due to reduced harvested acres, even though yields slightly improved. At the same time, sorghum silage production increased sharply. This shift showed growing use of sorghum for forage rather than grain in parts of the state.

Alfalfa's hay production decreased, with lower yields despite a small increase in harvested acres. However, alfalfa haylage and greenchop production rose significantly, indicating a change in how alfalfa was used on farms. Other hay types also saw lower production and yields, while haylage and greenchop volumes declined.

Several specialty crops also recorded mixed results. Proso millet production increased due to higher yields, even with fewer harvested acres. Oil sunflower production rose strongly as both planted and harvested acres expanded. Non-oil sunflower production declined slightly.

Sugar beet production decreased due to lower yields and fewer harvested acres. Dry edible bean and dry edible pea production also declined, although yields for both crops improved. Potato production showed a small decrease in total output, while yields improved slightly.

Total principal crop area planted in Nebraska increased slightly, and harvested acres also rose. These results reflected steady overall crop activity across the state.

Overall, Nebraska’s 2025 crop season highlighted strong grain production, changing forage use, and shifting specialty crop trends. These changes showed how farmers adjusted crop choices and management practices to match market needs, feed demands and growing conditions across the state.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev