By Andi Anderson
Indiana's agriculture flourished in 2023, as highlighted in the Indiana Agricultural Statistics Bulletin. The state ranked fifth in corn and fourth in soybeans nationally, while also excelling in peppermint, spearmint, watermelons, pumpkins, and livestock categories such as hogs and chickens.
In 2023, Indiana's corn production reached 1.08 billion bushels, an 11% increase from 2022, with an average yield of 203 bushels per acre. Soybean production totalled 334.28 million bushels, slightly below 2022 levels, but yields increased to 61 bushels per acre.
Whitley County ranked 43rd in corn, 42nd in soybeans, and 12th in wheat among Indiana counties. The county’s average yields in 2023 were 181.9 bushels per acre for corn, 53.3 for soybeans, and 81.5 for wheat. For livestock, Whitley County ranked 37th in beef cows and 27th in milk cows as of January 2024.
Indiana farmers earned $17.1 billion in cash receipts in 2023, with crops contributing $11.2 billion and livestock $5.9 billion. Corn and soybeans were the top income sources, generating $5.62 billion and $4.78 billion, respectively.
In Whitley County, total agricultural receipts in 2022 amounted to $197.4 million, with crops contributing $135.8 million. The county had 647 farms averaging 251 acres each, down from 2017.
The Indiana Agricultural Statistics Bulletin provides vital insights into the state’s agricultural performance. Access the latest report at USDA NASS Indiana Publications to explore more data.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Livestock