By Andi Anderson
The Yield Forecasting Center (YFC) will provide real-time corn yield forecasts throughout the 2026 growing season, helping growers and agricultural professionals make informed decisions related to crop management, irrigation, logistics, and marketing.
Developed through a collaboration led by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and supported by agronomists and Extension specialists across the Corn Belt, the forecasting program will release updates every three weeks beginning in mid-July.
Forecasts will cover 43 Corn Belt locations, including separate estimates for irrigated and rainfed corn in regions where both production systems are common. The system combines local crop management data, regional soil information, and real-time weather conditions to assess crop development and estimate yield potential.
The forecasts are generated using UNL’s Hybrid-Maize crop simulation model. The model analyzes historical weather records alongside current-season weather data to project corn performance under optimal management conditions. Key factors incorporated into the forecasts include temperature, rainfall, solar radiation, humidity, wind speed, planting dates, hybrid maturity, plant populations, irrigation practices, soil characteristics, and groundwater influence.
Local agronomists and Extension educators help validate forecast data and ensure projections reflect regional growing conditions and management practices. Weather information is gathered from agricultural weather station networks across the Corn Belt to improve forecast accuracy.
The YFC estimates the likelihood of yields being above, near, or below long-term averages, giving producers a clearer picture of crop performance as the season progresses. Forecast accuracy improves throughout the growing season as additional weather data become available.
Along with yield projections, the platform will provide updates on crop growth stages, yield potential ranges, and weather-related risks. These insights can assist growers in making decisions regarding fertilizer applications, irrigation scheduling, crop protection strategies, and grain marketing throughout the season.
Photo Credit: getty-images-alinamd
Categories: Indiana, Crops, Corn