Actually, the USDA makes the yield forecasts when the ground is still frozen in much of the country. That's the gospel, not what any of us low-lifes think.

However, as a low-life farmer, I do NOT think we have the potential for the "biggest" crop at this point, as a country. Perhaps if you took IL completely out of the picture you might have the bu/A, but not the production, but I assure you that the IL example you see in the beginning of this thread is NOT the norm. But again, take IL out & then we should assume that the rest of the states have their biggest yet coming?

Would that be correct IN, MO, WI, MI? I assume you have the "biggest yet" for your ENTIRE state?

I can find some spots like the first post locally. However, I can find a lot much further behind. That's the big thing...variability. I guess if heat units continue until Dec 1 & frost holds off 'til January or so, we in NE IL might have a better chance at this "biggest yield" thing.

My observations are only based on observations. I have no surveys that anyone has sent in to me.