Secretary Naig: Strong demand, exports, predictable policy key after record Iowa crop

DES MOINES — Jan. 12, 2026 — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on Monday pointed to record-setting corn and strong soybean results in 2025, while warning that tight margins and low commodity prices continue to strain the state’s agricultural economy.

Naig’s comments followed the release of the 2025 Crop Production Annual Summary from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which publishes state and national production totals each January.

“The 2025 growing season tested Iowa farmers with highly variable conditions, including areas that saw too much rain, others that were too dry, and disease pressure that added to the complexities,” Naig said. “Even so, Iowa farmers once again delivered a historic and record-breaking crop.”

Naig said the productivity comes “at a time of real stress in the ag economy,” citing high input costs and continued pressure from low commodity prices. He urged steps to grow demand for Iowa-grown commodities at home and abroad, calling on Congress to pass a “modern, five-year Farm Bill” and enact year-round nationwide E15. He also urged the administration to finalize robust Renewable Fuel Standard volumes and pursue trade agreements that expand export markets.

“Strong domestic demand, reliable export markets, and clear, predictable policy are essential to supporting our farmers and strengthening Iowa’s ag economy,” Naig said.

Iowa production highlights

According to the annual summary, Iowa posted several notable marks in 2025:

• Corn yield: 210 bushels per acre, Iowa’s second-highest yield

• Corn production: 2.77 billion bushels, an all-time Iowa record

• Soybean yield: 63.5 bushels per acre, an all-time Iowa record

• Soybean production: 596 million bushels, Iowa’s third-highest

National production highlights

The USDA report also showed record-setting numbers nationally for corn and soybeans in 2025:

• Corn yield: 186.5 bushels per acre, a national record

• Corn production: 17.0 billion bushels, a national record

• Soybean yield: 53 bushels per acre, a national record

• Soybean production: 4.26 billion bushels, the nation’s seventh-highest

About the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

Led by Secretary Mike Naig, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship serves rural and urban Iowans through 14 bureaus, focusing on animal health, food safety, consumer protection, and conservation efforts aimed at preserving land and improving water quality. More information is available at the department’s website.