The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released new forecasts for Arkansas agricultural output today.  The latest projections, if realized, will represent new record-high yields for corn and rice in 2012.  The expected yield for soybeans matches a record high from 2004.  Compared to the forecasts from last month, yield forecasts were revised upward for corn, cotton, rice and sorghum.  Total production for corn is now expected to exceed 2011 output by over 65%.  Sorghum production is projected to be 68% above last year’s level.

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services

Crop damage due to this summer’s drought was clearly not as devastating as some had feared — at least here in Arkansas.  Across much of the midwest, however, the story is quite different.  Nationwide corn production in 2012 is now expected 13.4% lower than in 2012.