2026 Crop Tour - Day 5
Black Hawk County, Iowa
Black Hawk County was by far the strongest stop of the trip, with yield samples ranging from 250 to 280 bu/acre. After averaging 207 bu/acre in this field last year, the crop has benefited from consistent rainfall throughout the growing season. The county has received 140% of normal rainfall over the past 90 days, with precipitation between 7.5 and 10.5 inches each month. The timely and consistent moisture has made farmers optimistic about yields and may help push them towards record crops.
Kossuth County, Iowa
Yield samples in Kossuth County ranged from 220 to 240 bu/acre. The area has been on the drier side throughout the growing season, receiving roughly 75% of normal rainfall over the past 90 days. While rainfall has been frequent, most events have produced only 0.2 to 0.3 inches rather than the larger soaking rains at one to two inches in the surrounding areas. Even with the below-average moisture, the timeliness of the rain has kept the crop in good condition and continues to show solid yield potential.
martin county, minnesota
Martin County marked the 20th stop of the southern portion of our 2026 Crop Tour. The area received approximately 4 inches of rainfall the weekend before our visit after a stretch of drier conditions. Overall, the county has received about 109% of normal rainfall over the past 90 days, supporting crop development in one of the highest corn-producing counties in the United States. Farmers throughout the area expressed optimism for near-record yields, and our yield samples reflected that confidence, with estimates reaching 250 bu/acre or more.
Iowa Summary
Iowa's corn crop appears poised for another outstanding year, with strong yield potential observed across nearly every region of the state. Timely rainfall has been the common theme supporting crop development, even in areas that received below-normal precipitation, while counties with abundant moisture are showing yield estimates in the 250+ bu/acre range. Excellent stand counts, dark green plant health, limited disease pressure, and generally favorable pollination conditions have reinforced optimism among farmers. The overall crop remains well above average, with several counties capable of matching or exceeding previous record yields if favorable weather persists through the remainder of grain fill. Our yield expectation for the state of Iowa is 220 bu/acre.
