The 2024 wheat season in Illinois has been marked by a notable decline in winter wheat production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) annual production summary, the Prairie State saw a 7.66 million bushel reduction in winter wheat production from the previous year, dropping to 60.2 million bushels. This decline represents an average yield of 86 bushels per acre across 700,000 harvested acres, compared to 87 bushels per acre on 780,000 harvested acres in 2023, resulting in a total production of 67.86 million bushels. The reduction can be attributed to several factors including unfavorable weather conditions during planting and early growth stages, as well as challenges in pest management.
Washington County remained the top producer of winter wheat in Illinois, harvesting 6.579 million bushels with an average yield of 97 bushels per acre across 67,800 acres. Randolph County followed closely with 3.463 million bushels, averaging 90.9 bushels per acre from 38,100 harvested acres. St. Clair County also contributed significantly with 2.093 million bushels and an average yield of 83.4 bushels per acre from 25,100 acres. Other counties producing seven-digit bushels included Marion, Wayne, Franklin, Madison, Clay, and Montgomery. The highest yield was found in Bureau County at 117.8 bushels per acre, with 3,370 harvested acres producing 397,000 bushels, underscoring the influence of localized soil and climatic conditions on yield outcomes. Boone County followed with an average yield of 113.6 bushels per acre, producing 259,000 bushels from 2,280 acres, while Ogle County yielded 111.4 bushels per acre, harvesting 558,000 bushels from 5,010 acres.
Oats Production Growth
In contrast to the winter wheat decline, Illinois oat production showed an unexpected increase in 2024. The state’s oat growers averaged 93 bushels per acre across 17,000 harvested acres, resulting in a total production of 1.581 million bushels. This was up from the previous year’s average of 90 bushels per acre across 17,000 harvested acres, which produced a total of 1.53 million bushels. This rise can be attributed to more favorable weather conditions, improved soil moisture levels, and effective pest control strategies during the growing season.
DeKalb County emerged as the leading oat producer in Illinois, harvesting 516,000 bushels from 5,370 acres, averaging 96.1 bushels per acre. Bureau County followed with a remarkable 119 bushels per acre yield, producing 75,000 bushels across 630 acres. Other top producing counties included Carroll (115.1 bushels per acre), Douglas (102.7 bushels per acre), and Whiteside (108 bushels per acre). The grouping of other counties averaged 90.1 bushels per acre across 9,410 harvested acres, resulting in a total production of 847,400 bushels. The variation in yields among counties highlights the significant impact of soil health, regional climate, and management practices on oat production in Illinois.
The decline in winter wheat production in Illinois in 2024 reflects the challenges faced by farmers, including adverse weather conditions and management difficulties. However, the growth in oat production demonstrates resilience and adaptability among Illinois farmers, particularly in response to favorable climatic conditions. As the state continues to grapple with changing agricultural dynamics, it is crucial for farmers to stay informed and utilize advanced agronomic practices to maintain productivity and profitability. The differing outcomes for wheat and oats emphasize the importance of tailored management strategies based on regional conditions and crop requirements.
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