Penn State Tour Reveals 2025 Corn and Soybean Outlook

By Blake Jackson

Penn State Extension educators recently completed the 2025 Crops Conditions Tour, visiting 59 corn and 49 soybean fields in 29 counties at the end of August. This year’s crop development reflects significant variations in planting dates, largely driven by a wet spring, and fields are now facing a mix of moisture surpluses and deficits.

Weather patterns have played a defining role in this growing season. Much of Pennsylvania experienced an unusually dry stretch from February through April, followed by persistent rainfall from mid-May through late June.

Despite the rain, growing degree day accumulation stayed close to the 10-year average, suggesting that temperatures remained relatively favorable for crop growth. July brought sharp contrasts, with some areas inundated by heavy rains while others received little precipitation.

August then shifted to widespread dryness, prompting a USDA disaster area designation in 18 contiguous counties across central and southeastern parts of the state. The outlook for late-planted crops now depends heavily on timely rain, continued warmth, and a late frost to allow grain fill to complete.

At the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Lancaster County, precipitation between planting (May 12) and September 2 measured 8.3 inches above the 10-year average, or 45 percent higher than normal.

Meanwhile, the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Centre County recorded rainfall just 0.6 inches above average during the same timeframe. These differences illustrate how total rainfall amounts, timing, and intensity shaped crop progress across regions.

Growing degree days also trailed historical averages, with Lancaster County accumulating 275 fewer units and Centre County 63 fewer. These measures, particularly important for corn, indicate slower development in some areas.

Tour results suggest that the average statewide corn yield will be about 179 bushels per acre, a 23 percent increase, or 33 bushels higher, than in 2024. Even with this improvement, educators noted that yields and grain quality remain in the average-to-below-average range, depending on location.

Factors such as planting date, localized rainfall, and the timing of fall weather will continue to influence outcomes as the season concludes.

Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic