Regional Crop Yield Response for U.S. Grains

Crop yields in all major production regions increase substantially in response to three major long-term stimuli: improved varieties, improved farming techniques, and more fertilizer. Short-term factors affecting yields include soil moisture, temperature and precipitation during the critical months of crop production, and acreage reduction programs. This report examines how the acreage reduction programs affect crop yields, what determines yields, and how to project crop yields. Per acre yields of wheat, corn, and rice by major region are projected to 1990.