The 19th annual Edwards County corn yield survey is projecting a record estimated county average of 183.06 bushels per acre for 2026. The survey was conducted Tuesday by Bunge in Browns and the Edwards County Farm Bureau Young Leaders.
Browns Township recorded the highest estimated yield at 201.41 bushels per acre, followed by French Creek Township at 196.69. Albion Township had the lowest estimate at 166.92 bushels per acre. According to Rebecca Perry, IFBCM, Edwards County, the 183.06-bushel countywide estimate is the highest in the survey’s 19-year history.
“Counters were impressed with ear size, pollination and the overall quality from the 50 fields counted,” Perry said. “The general feeling was this is going to be a good year.”
Perry said those collecting samples also observed significant wildlife damage along with some crop diseases. The survey included six fields in each township and eight in Shelby Township because of its size. Three samples were taken from each field, with 50 fields checked overall. Counts were based on 85,000 kernels per bushel.
Township estimates were Browns, 201.41 bushels per acre; French Creek, 196.69; Salem, 184.99; Bone Gap, 179.74; Dixon, 178.63; Ellery, 178.09; Shelby, 178.04; and Albion, 166.92.
Survey participants are estimating peak harvest will occur during the latter part of September, nearly a month earlier than in 2025.