Southern Region News Release September Crop Production

(September 13, 2020)

ATHENS, Ga. — This report contains the results from the farmer reported 2020 September Agricultural Yield and Cotton Objective Yield surveys. Thanks to all who responded to these surveys, and to the cotton producers who allowed objective measurements to be taken in their fields.

Corn production for grain is forecast at 14.9 billion bushels, down 2 percent from the previous forecast but up 9 percent from 2019. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average a record high 178.5 bushels per acre. Soybean production is forecast at 4.31 billion bushels, down 3 percent from the previous forecast but up 21 percent from last year. Based on conditions as of September 1, yields are expected to average a record high 51.9 bushels per acre. All cotton production is forecast at 17.1 million 480-pound bales, down 6 percent from the previous forecast and down 14 percent from 2019. Yields are expected to average a record high 910 pounds per acre.

Key findings for the Southern Region from the September Crop Production include:

Alabama: Corn for grain production is forecast at 57.9 million bushels, up 29 percent from 2019. Cotton acreage is revised down from June to 450,000 acres planted and 445,000 harvested with production forecasted at 905 million bales, down 12 percent from last year. Peanut acreage is revised up from June to 185,000 acres planted with production forecasted at 746 million pounds, up 41 percent from 2019. If realized, the yield, at 4,100 pounds per acre, will be a record high. Soybean production, at 11.6 million bushels, is up 24 percent from last year.

Florida: Cotton acreage is revised up from June to 100,000 acres planted and 98,000 harvested with production forecasted at 180,000 bales, down 12 percent from 2019. Peanut acreage is revised up from June to 175,000 acres planted and 165,000 harvested. Production is forecast at 693 million pounds, up 18 percent from last year. If realized, the yield, at 4,200 pounds per acre, will be a record high for the state. Sugarcane production is forecast at 18.0 million tons, up 2 percent from 2019.

Georgia: With a record high yield forecast of 181 bushels per acre, corn for grain production is forecast at 62.4 million bushels, up 12 percent from 2019. Cotton acreage is revised down from June to 1.20 million acres planted and 1.19 million acres harvested with production forecasted at 2.31 million bales, down 16 percent from last year. Peanut acreage is revised up from June to 810,000 acres planted and 800,000 harvested. Production is forecast at a record high 3.60 billion pounds with a yield of 4,500 pounds per acre, the second highest yield on record. Soybeans production, at 3.36 million bushels, is up 25 percent from last year. Tobacco production is forecast at 16.6 million pounds, the lowest production since 1932.

South Carolina: With a record high yield forecast of 136 bushels per acre, corn for grain production is forecast at 49.0 million bushels, up 32 percent from 2019. Cotton planted remains unchanged from June at 190,000 acres, with production forecasted at 330,000 bales, down 34 percent from last year due to the reduction in acres this year. Peanut acreage is revised up from June to 85,000 acres with production forecasted at 311 million pounds, up 32 percent from 2019. Soybean production, at 10.5 million bushels, is a 26 percent increase from last year. Tobacco production, at 9.0 million pounds, is the lowest since 1906 and the yield, at 1,500 pounds per acre, is the lowest since 1954.

To view the complete report, please click here SEPTEMBERCropProduction2020

Source: USDA, NASS