30th annual survey projects an average yield of 212.39 bushels per acre across the county

Bloomington, IL (September 2, 2026) First Mid Ag Services has released the results of its 30th Annual McLean County Corn Yield Estimate, projecting an average yield of 212.39 bushels per acre. Ten First Mid Farm Managers collected 1,570 samples from 157 locations on managed farms in every township across McLean County. Estimated yields ranged from 153.75 to 268.80 bushels per acre.

Key Findings

  • Below the five-year average: The estimated yield of 212.39 bushels per acre is below McLean County’s five-year average of 230.02.
  • Most sampled locations above 200 bushels: 71% of sampled locations were estimated above 200 bushels per acre.
  • Weather constrained kernel development: Excessive June rainfall followed by July heat and drier conditions limited kernel development and fill.
  • Harvest conditions require monitoring: Overall plant health and stalk quality were good during sampling, but wind damage and late-season disease may affect harvestability.

Most samples were collected before the August 16 storms. Weather through harvest will continue to influence kernel weight and final results. The estimate is intended as a snapshot of countywide yield potential and may vary from actual harvested yields.

“For 30 years, this survey has provided landowners and producers with an early look at countywide yield potential. This year’s results are a reminder that strong crop establishment does not always translate into top-end yields,” said Michael Rhoda, AFM, Assistant Vice President and Farm Manager with First Mid Ag Services.

For the full survey highlights and township-level results, visit www.firstmidag.com/news/2026-mclean-county-corn-yield-estimates/.

 

First Mid Ag Services manages, brokers, and values Midwest farmland and provides agricultural consultation services, primarily in Illinois and surrounding states. First Mid Ag Services has seven regional offices located in Bloomington, Decatur, Kankakee, Mattoon, Peoria, Princeton, and Springfield, Illinois. More information about First Mid Ag Services is available at www.firstmidag.com.

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About First Mid Bancshares, Inc.: First Mid Bancshares, Inc. is the parent company of First Mid Bank & Trust, N.A., First Mid Insurance Group, and First Mid Wealth Management Company. First Mid is a $7.8 billion community-focused organization that provides financial services including banking, insurance, wealth management, brokerage, and ag services through a network of locations in Illinois, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a loan production office in Indiana. Together, our First Mid team takes great pride in providing solutions and services to our customers and communities and has done so since 1865. This year, we proudly celebrate our 160th anniversary, marking a long history of dedication and service. More information about the Company is available on our website at www.firstmid.com. Our stock is traded in The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC under the ticker symbol “FMBH”. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender. 

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