According to a July 3 article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, a new report from Planalytics Inc. forecasts that U.S. farmers will reap a record 165.5 bushels of corn per acre this year -- up from an average of 164.7 bushels in 2009.

The estimate is up from the 163.3 bushels forecast on June 17 because of favorable rains and forecasts for moderate temperatures the next 2 weeks, when plants begin to form pollinated kernels, the Wayne, Pas.-based weather and crop forecaster said Friday in a report to clients.

Planalytics said it's too early to forecast record production, as there is excess soil moisture in some areas and there's been increased variability of crops grown in the same fields.