By Blake Jackson
As of September 1, 2024, Pennsylvania's crop production data reveals noteworthy shifts in the state's agricultural landscape for the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons.
Corn for Grain
In 2023, Pennsylvania harvested 680,000 acres of corn, which yielded 157 bushels per acre, resulting in a total production of 106.76 million bushels.
For 2024, the harvested area decreased slightly to 675,000 acres. However, the yield per acre saw an improvement, rising to 165 bushels, which translates to a total production of 93.83 million bushels. This reflects a reduction in harvested area but an increase in yield efficiency.
Soybeans
The soybean crop in Pennsylvania for 2023 covered 560,000 acres with an average yield of 47 bushels per acre, accumulating a production of 26.32 million bushels.
The 2024 forecast shows a rise in both harvested area and yield. The area increased to 600,000 acres with an improved yield of 46 bushels per acre, leading to an anticipated total production of 27.60 million bushels.
Tobacco
For tobacco, Pennsylvania’s harvested area in 2023 was 3,140 acres with a yield of 2,305 pounds per acre, totaling 7.83 million pounds.
The 2024 estimates for tobacco are not available, indicating a discontinuation of tobacco estimates in the state for this year.
Potatoes for Certified Seed
In terms of certified seed potatoes, Pennsylvania had 407 acres entered for certification in both 2023 and 2024, maintaining a consistent certification rate of 100% in 2023 and 2024.
These insights reflect a year of adaptation and shifts in Pennsylvania’s crop production strategies, highlighting trends in yield and area adjustments across key agricultural sectors.
Photo Credit: istock-infrontphoto
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops