Corn Grain Yields, 1930 to Today
The national average corn grain yield in the United States began to increase steadily in the 1940s (Figure
11). In the most recent decade, the average yield was 125 bushels per acre, nearly five times greater than
70 years before. Several studies conducted by universities have indicated that much of this improved yield
was the result of improved genetics; that is, it occurred because farmers were planting improved varieties
of corn developed through plant breeding. Greater use of fertilizer, more and better herbicides, improved
soil tillage, and other altered production practices also contributed to the increased yields.