By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – 2016 was a record-setting year for corn yields in Illinois; the state is also the top soybean producer in the country, according to Illinois Farmer Today. But will this last as we head into a new year?

Planting soybean and corn crops early, as well as using seed treatments, have had a positive impact on farms across the state of Illinois. Soybeans are a valuable commodity in the state of Illinois.

Mike Levin, the Director of Issues Management and Analysis at Illinois Soybean Producers, said about 600 million bushels of soybeans were produced last year in the state, with an estimated value of $6.2 billion.

Corn yields were so high that carryover stocks from 2016 are expected to impact pricing this year. Levin said he has a positive outlook on crop production for 2017.

“We look to have a positive year with being the best stewards that we can — and the best and the brightest farmers in in the world that are trying to feed the world,” he said.

Levin believes the future prospects for corn and soybean yields look promising.

“We’re expecting to do even better and have increased yields and have some additional acres planted for beans,” he said.