In addition to domestic food and fuel use, corn and soybeans are exported by the US – $30 billion a year for soybeans and $15 billion for corn.
Soybean yields in Illinois have increased 40% (!) over the last 20 years. Whatever they’re doing, they’re doing it well.
Ave yield 2019-2023 61.0 bu/ac 2000-2005 43.8
Illinois corn yields have only increased 25%. 
DB2