The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its 2018 county yield estimates for Minnesota. In 2018, four counties recorded total production over 10 million bushels of soybeans, led by Polk County, with 12.6 million bushels according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Renville (11.1 million), Redwood (11.0 million) and Lac qui Parle (10.1 million) also topped the 10 million bushel threshold. Faribault County (9.63 million) rounded out the top five highest production counties.

Five districts recorded yields averaging over 50 bushels per acre, led by the Southeast District, where yields averaged 57.1 bushels per acre. This was followed by the South Central District (54.2) and the Central District (53.0). Statewide, 18 counties averaged at least 55 bushels per acre, with Waseca County recording the highest yield in the State, at 60.9 bushels per acre. Dodge (59.1), Wabasha (59.0), Mower (58.3), and Goodhue (57.9) rounded out the top five yields.

Yields are derived from production divided by area harvested. Only published estimates were considered in rankings of districts and counties. The release was delayed for several weeks due to the government shutdown.