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Corn, soybean production decreases in 2022

Drought and long period of hot weather contribute to drops in crop yields as well
January 25, 2023

Drought conditions and a long period of 90-degree or more days during the summer in Delaware are the two main factors contributing to a decrease in corn and soybean production in 2022 compared to 2021. Corn and soybeans are the two major grain crops for Sussex County farmers, with nearly all crops purchased by poultry processing companies for feed.

Delaware’s field office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service Office announced the 2022 Delaware crop summary. Corn for grain production is estimated at 28.4 million bushels, down 10% from the 2021 estimate. The average yield in Delaware is estimated at 170 bushels per acre, 14 bushels below the 2021 average yield of 184.0 bushels per acre. Area harvested for grain is estimated at 167,000 acres, down 3% from 2021. Soybean production is estimated at 6.79 million bushels, down 13% from 2021. Yield is estimated at 43 bushels per acre, down eight bushels from 2021. Harvested area, at 158,000 acres, is up 3% from 2021.

The state's reduction reflects a 9% decrease in U.S. corn production (13.7 billion bushels) and a 4% decrease in U.S. soybean production (4.28 billion bushels).

Corn silage production is estimated at 57,000 tons, down 10% from 2021. Silage yield is estimated at 19 tons per acre, down two tons from 2021. Area harvested for silage is estimated at 3,000 acres, unchanged from 2021.

Barley production is estimated at 1.39 million bushels, up 33% from 2021. Yield is estimated at 87.0 bushels per acre, up 12 bushels from 2021. Harvested area, at 16,000 acres, is up 14% from 2021.

Winter wheat production is estimated at 4.10 million bushels, up 68% from 2021. Yield is estimated at 76 bushels per acre, up six bushels from the previous year. Harvested area, at 54,000 acres, is 54% above the previous year.

All dry hay production is estimated at 28,000 tons, up 4% from 2021. Yield is estimated at 2.55 tons per acre, up one-tenth ton from the previous year. Harvested area, at 11,000 acres, is unchanged from the previous year.

Alfalfa dry hay production is estimated at 6,000 tons, down 14% from 2021. Yield is estimated at 2.85 tons per acre, up 30% from the previous year. Harvested area, at 2,000 acres, is down 33% from the previous year.

For the complete crop production annual summary report, go to: usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/tm70mv177.

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