A Look at Yield Potential Across Six States

A DTN/Progressive Farmer article

When it comes to corn and soybeans, states such as Illinois and Iowa are certain to be production juggernauts season after season. The sheer number of acres dedicated to these crops means that all eyes -- and the markets -- tend to focus their attention on these states, including the 2026 DTN Digital Yield Tour.

Yet, living on the buckle of the Corn Belt isn't a prerequisite for growing successful, and often high-yielding, crops, as this year's tour estimates reveal. In four of the six states featured in our "Best of the Rest" yield tour roundup, corn and soybean yield estimates are higher this year than in 2025, based on DTN models based as of Aug. 1 conditions. These states also bested their 5-year yield averages based on USDA Risk Management Agency data.For the full article click here