Illinois Wheat Harvest Sees Record Surge; Seed Experts Predict Continued Boom

Illinois wheat farmers witnessed a notable surge in production in 2023, with plantings increasing by 210,000 acres from the previous year, leading to a record harvest of 65.5 million bushels — a 48% jump from 2022. This achievement ranked Illinois as the sixth-largest wheat producer in the U.S. for the year. Seed industry insiders attending the Illinois Wheat Association’s Summer Forum anticipate a continuation of this growth trend in wheat farming. While some factors like weather conditions and commodity prices remain variables, seed advancements, particularly in early-maturity wheat varieties, are driving optimism for even greater yield potential in the upcoming season.