The 2007 U.S. corn crop's final production tally is 13.1 billion bu., which eclipses the previous high, set in 2004, of 11.8 billion bu. According to USDA's "Crop Production 2007 Summary," released Jan. 11 by USDA's National Ag Statistics Service (NASS), 2007 production topped 2006's by 24%. Cotton and rice yields also hit all-time highs.

Total U.S. corn acreage in 2007 was 93.6 million acres, a 19% jump over 2006 and the most since 1944's 95.5 million acres. In addition, the 86.5 million acres of corn harvested for grain was the most since 1933, and 22% greater than 2006. Average corn yield was 151.1 bu./acre -- second only to 2004's 160.4 bu./acre, and up 2 bu. from last year.

Soybeans suffered as a result of more corn acres, as U.S. farmers planted and harvested 16% fewer soybean acres in 2007 than in 2006. A total of 63.6 million acres were planted in soybeans, and 62.8 million harvested. Soybean production, at 2.6 billion bu., was down 19% from the 3.2-billion-bu. record of 2006, while the average yield was 41.2 bu./acre, 1.5 bu. below last year.

Grain sorghum production was 505 million bu., an 82% increase over 2006. Planted area totaled 7.72 million acres, up 18% from 2006. Harvested acreage, at 6.81 million acres, was up 38%, and average yield was 74.2 bu./acre.

See the full report at www.nass.usda.gov.