TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey farmers expect to reap an average of 41 bushels per acre of soybeans in 2020, according to Bruce Eklund, New Jersey State Statistician. Compared to last year, yield is up but acreage is down. This expected yield and an expected 78 thousand acres harvested would mean 3.20 million bushels harvested. That would be the smallest harvest since 2008.

Nationally, soybean production is forecast up 25 percent from 2019. Winter wheat production is forecast down 8 percent from 2019. Corn production for grain is forecast at a record high and up 12 percent from 2019.

New Jersey cranberry growers expect to harvest 540 thousand barrels, up from last year’s 529 thousand barrels and the Nation’s third highest. Meanwhile, expected peach production decreased to 11,500 tons due to cold spring weather. Peach yields varied considerably based on locale and variety.

The forecasts in this report are based on conditions as of August 1. Any potential impacts from severe weather that occurred after August 1 will be reflected in future reports.

Nationally, the farm operator survey was conducted primarily by telephone with some use of mail and internet. Approximately 20,300 producers were interviewed during the survey period and asked questions about probable yield.

For the complete “Crop Production” report, go to: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/tm70mv177

–Bruce Eklund, USDA NASS