The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service corrected corn figures in its September 2026 Crop Production report after finding a processing error that affected estimates for Nebraska and Kansas.
For Nebraska, the revision increased the estimated 2026 corn yield to 182 bushels per acre, up from the previously published estimate of 177 bushels per acre. The error also affected reported plant populations, ear counts and total production estimates, according to a statement from Nebraska’s corn organizations.
Correction changes a key Nebraska estimate
NASS issued the correction after concerns emerged following its Oct. 9 Crop Production report. The agency acknowledged that the processing problem had altered September corn data for both states. The material provided by NASS did not include revised Nebraska production totals or a separate breakdown of the changes to plant populations and ear counts.
| Measure | Original estimate | Corrected estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska corn yield | 177 bushels per acre | 182 bushels per acre |
Andy Groskopf, chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board, and Michael Dibbern, president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, said the revised figures improved the September estimate but raised concerns about the effect of errors in federal crop data.
“The corrected September Crop Production report is an improvement, but errors like this have far-reaching effects on farmers and the markets they depend on. We expect NASS to identify the source of the error and put safeguards in place so it does not happen again. Farmers rely on accurate data to make marketing decisions, and mistakes like this undermine their trust in NASS data at a time when they need it most.”
The Nebraska Corn Board is financed through a producer checkoff of 1 cent per bushel of corn marketed in the state and is governed by nine farmer directors. Its work includes promotion, market development and research related to Nebraska corn.
The Nebraska Corn Growers Association is a dues-supported commodity organization focused on leadership, policy and education. The association has more than 2,400 Nebraska members and is affiliated with the National Corn Growers Association, which has more than 36,000 members nationwide.
NASS crop estimates are used to track production conditions and provide data for farmers, government agencies and agricultural businesses. The correction covers the September estimates for Nebraska and Kansas, with the Nebraska yield figure now recorded at 182 bushels per acre.
