Record corn, soybean crops projected for Minnesota

Minnesota farmers are projected to harvest record corn and soybean crops this fall.

In its updated production forecast Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates Minnesota's corn crop at a record 1.26 billion bushels, up nearly 16 million bushels from last year's record. It also forecasts a record yield of 175 bushels per acre, compared with last year's record 174.

The USDA is forecasting soybean production at 329 million bushels, up 16 percent from last year and breaking the 2006 record of 319 million. The average soybean yield is estimated at 45 bushels per acre, up five from last year.

Sugarbeets and dry beans are also expected to set production records for Minnesota.

Nationally, corn production is forecast at 12.7 billion bushels, down 3 percent from last year's record. Soybean production is projected at a record high 3.41 billion bushels