By Scout Nelson
The United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service has spotlighted Nebraska's agricultural standouts for 2023, with Custer County earning the title of top corn-producing county and Gage County leading the way in soybean production.
Farmers in Custer County harvested a staggering 45.7 million bushels of corn, while those in Gage County produced 8.1 million bushels of soybeans.
The agricultural production map of 2023 reveals that darker colors indicate higher production levels, with grey areas representing no reported data.
Corn and soybean production was mainly concentrated in specific regions of Nebraska, reflecting economic and agronomic decisions by the state's farmers.
Following closely behind Custer County in corn production were Dawson and Hamilton Counties, with outputs of 45.1 and 44.8 million bushels, respectively.
Corn production has traditionally thrived along the Interstate 80 corridor, benefiting from the irrigation-rich central Nebraska. Soybean production found its stronghold in eastern Nebraska, with Gage County dethroning the usual frontrunner, Saunders County.
The report highlights the geographical divide between top corn and soybean-producing counties, primarily due to irrigation practices, with corn preferring heavily irrigated central Nebraska, while soybean-producing areas with less irrigation offer a more competitive environment.
This year's findings not only celebrate the leading counties but also provide insights into the agricultural dynamics of Nebraska, where irrigation and geographical location play crucial roles in determining crop choice and yield.
Photo Credit -istock-fotokostic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans