By Scout Nelson
Nebraska farmers are expected to see lower production across several major crops in 2026, according to the latest forecast from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). As of October 1, 2026, reduced harvested acreage and lower yields are projected to affect corn, sorghum, dry edible beans, sugarbeets, sunflowers, and alfalfa hay production statewide.
Corn, the state's largest crop, is forecast at 1.81 billion bushels, down 10% from 2025. Harvested acreage is expected to total 9.61 million acres, an 8% decrease from last year, while yields are projected at 188 bushels per acre, six bushels below 2025 levels.
Grain sorghum production is forecast at 14.03 million bushels, down 21% from the previous year. Harvested acreage is expected to decline 20% to 165,000 acres, while yields are projected at 85 bushels per acre.
Soybeans showed relatively stable production compared to other crops. Output is forecast at 312 million bushels, down just 1% from 2025. Harvested acreage increased to 5.29 million acres, up 10% from last year, although yields are expected to fall to 59 bushels per acre.
Several specialty crops are forecast to experience larger declines. Dry edible bean production is expected to reach 1.51 million hundredweight, down 40% from 2025, due to lower harvested acreage and reduced yields. Harvested acreage is estimated at 63,000 acres, down 36% from last year.
Sugarbeet production is forecast at 1.05 million tons, a 23% decline from 2025. Although yields are expected to increase slightly to 30.5 tons per acre, harvested acreage is projected to fall 25% to 34,400 acres.
Sunflower production is forecast at 23.8 million pounds, down 41% from a year ago. Harvest acreage is expected to total 23,100 acres, while yields are projected at 1,032 pounds per acre.
Hay production showed mixed results. Alfalfa hay production is forecast at 2.85 million tons, down 11% from 2025, while production of other hay varieties is expected to increase 1% to 2.38 million tons.
Overall, Nebraska's 2026 crop outlook indicates lower production across several major commodities, primarily due to reduced harvested acreage and weaker yields in key crops.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Sorghum, Government & Policy