Arkansas Corn Acreage Drops 41% in 2024 on Low Prices, High Yields
The Arkansas corn crop saw a significant decrease in acres harvested in 2024, dropping 41% to 485,000 acres, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistical Service. The primary reason for the decrease was the low commodity prices, with corn trading at approximately $4.20 a bushel, a steep decline from the previous year.
As a result of better prices for other row crops like soybeans, farmers opted to plant those instead of corn. Despite the low prices, corn yields remained strong, with 186 bushels per acre harvested in 2024, just one bushel off from the record set in 2014. It is projected that Arkansas will produce more than 90 million bushels of corn this year.
In addition to corn, wheat and sorghum acres also remained lower in the state in 2024. Grain sorghum, in particular, has limited market opportunities in Arkansas, making it less profitable compared to other crops. Winter wheat prices were stable at around $5.50 per bushel, but fewer farmers planted wheat due to the high input costs associated with corn production.
Despite the challenges, timely rains in the summer helped reduce irrigation needs and maintain near-record corn yields in Arkansas. Research and support from the Arkansas Corn and Grain Sorghum Checkoff Program have contributed to improving corn yields in the state over the past 25 years.
Overall, Arkansas was one of eleven states to see a decrease in corn acreage this year, with neighboring states like Mississippi and Louisiana also experiencing significant drops. However, timely planting and favorable weather conditions in some regions of Arkansas helped maintain high yields for corn farmers.
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