While many of the corn and soybean producing states suffered from widespread drought and crop loss in 2012, the state of Georgia managed to turn in at least average yields.

Dr. Nathan Smith of the University of Georgia Extension Agency told local farmers Friday at the Northwest Georgia Area Corn/Soybean Meeting that things could have been much worse.

Smith said that roughly 345,000 acres of farmland in Georgia produced 180 bushels of corn per acre, well ahead of the 123.4 bushels per acre nationwide.

“We planted about the same amount in Georgia as we did last year,” Smith said. “We bumped up our harvested acres particularly because of the better growing season. We turned in a record yield by a long-shot.”

Smith said the national average yield has been decreasing since a record yield in 2009.

“It’s the third year in a row where production has fallen below consumption,” he said. “High prices have rationed use.”

Corn feed for livestock usage has been in decline, he said, and mill grains and ethanol usage has declined as well.

Exports are also down due to increased prices and human consumption of corn has decreased as well, he said.

The USDA projected a smaller production of corn for the coming year, Smith said, which could further impact prices.

Smith predicted that corn prices could range from $4.80 to $8 per bushel in the coming year. A more likely range is $5.35 to $6 per bushel, Smith said.

Cornquote.com had it listed for roughly $7 per bushel on Tuesday.

Smith indicated that Georgia had a good year in the realm of soybean production.

Georgia produced 37 bushels of soybeans per acre, slightly below the national average of 39 bushels.

Other speakers presented information on other corn and soybean related topics.

Dr. Dewey Lee discussed managing corn growth and development. Dr. Eric Prosko explained soybean and corn weed control.

Dr. Jared Whitaker gave an update on soybean agronomics and Dr. Phillip Roberts discussed pests impacting soybean production.