Indiana corn, soybean farmers participate in ‘lockup’ briefing for August crop report 

By Amie Simpson 

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Lockup occurs before market-sensitive data like the monthly crop production report and the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) are released to the public. The August crop production report is released just weeks ahead of harvest and provides information that can impact decisions made by farmers and reduce uncertainty in the market. 

Indiana farmer leaders and staff representing the Indiana Corn Marketing Council (ICMC) and the Indiana Soybean Alliance (ISA) attended the Aug. 12 Agricultural Statistics Board (ASB) briefing and lockup process at the USDA South Building in Washington D.C. 

“It was a great experience, and I think every farmer should go through the lockup procedure,” said Adam Sheller, an ICMC board member and farmer from Noblesville, Ind. 

“I gained a better understanding of how USDA gets those values by farmer surveys about crop yield, plot data, satellite imagery, and more. If you get the opportunity to come to D.C. and go through this experience, don’t hesitate.” 

Sheller said both his corn and soybeans look good. 

“I thought soybeans were going to be a little bit rough at the beginning of the year, but with timely rains in July and August, I think they’re going to be unbelievable,” he said. “Corn is super good, too. We’re looking at a good crop at the end of fall.” 

John Peters, an ISA board member and farmer from Monticello, Ind., said he gained confidence in the reporting process and the numbers. “I had some questions about how the (USDA) got its numbers, and this process helped alleviate those,” he said. 

The USDA raised its 2024 production outlooks for both corn and soybeans. USDA projected a record average corn yield of 183.1 bushels per acre. Soybeans are seen at 53.2 bushels per acre. In Indiana, the 2024 corn yield is forecast at 207 bushels per acre, up four bushels from 2023. Soybean yield is forecast at 62 bushels per acre, up one bushel from last year. 

Peters said he wasn’t too surprised by the report, and that crops in his area look phenomenal. 

“I think it’s going to be one of the best crops we’ve ever had, and farmers I’ve talked to have said the same thing,” he said. 

Others attending were John Adam Jr., an ICMC board member and farmer from Sellersburg, Ind., and three ISA and ICMC staff members including Senior Director of Market Development Ed Ebert, Market Development Project Manager Chris Weldon and Digital Communications Manager Amie Simpson. 

Ebert appreciated the farmer directors taking the time to participate in the briefing. 

“I can’t overemphasize how important it is to have farmers here to not only learn about the process but also to interact with USDA officials and put a real face to Indiana agriculture,” he said. “It sends a strong message that farmers care about what they’re doing, and they feel that it’s an important process. And from a farmer leader perspective, it helps them understand where some of these numbers come from.” 

Farmers from Indiana Farm Bureau also attended the USDA August Crop Report briefing.