Are economics driving corn production westward?

Kristen Sindelar
Oct 3, 2025
Oct 3, 2025

1 of 3

Andy Groskopf was appointed president of the newly organized Panhandle Corn Growers Association. He and his father raise corn and edible dry beans north of Scottsbluff, Neb.

Submitted photo

Nebraska’s average corn yield last year was 188 bushels per acre, nearly 50% greater than in the 2000s.

Source: Rolling Prairie Economics graphic using data from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

The state average corn yield was 188 bushels per acre last year. Average yields in 2024 for counties where data was reported are shown on the map. No data was reported for counties colored gray.

Source: Rolling Prairie Economics graphic using data from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

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Kristen Sindelar

Last year, Nebraska produced 1.8 billion bushels of corn for grain, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) 2024 State Agricultural Overview.

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.