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Corn Export Cargo Quality Report 2017/2018

Contents

  1. Export Cargo Quality Highlights
  2. Introduction
  3. Grade Factors
  4. Quality Test Results
  5. Moisture
  6. Chemical Composition
  7. Physical Factors
  8. Stress Cracks
  9. 100- Kernel Weight
  10. Kernel Volume
  11. Kernel True Density
  12. Whole Kernels
  13. Horneous (Hard) Endosperm
  14. Mycotoxins
  15. Assessing the Presence of Aflatoxins and Deoxynivalenol (DON)
  16. Background: Mycotoxins General
  17. Background: Aflatoxins
  18. Background: Deoxynivalenol (DON) or Vomitoxin
  19. U.S. Corn Export System
  20. U.S. Corn Export Flow
  21. Impact of The Corn Market Channel on Quality
  22. U.S. Government Inspection and Grading
  23. Survey & Statistical Analysis Methods
  24. Survey Design & Sampling
  25. Statistical Analysis
  26. Testing Analysis Methods
  27. Grade Factors
  28. Moisture
  29. Chemical Composition
  30. Physical Factors
  31. Mycotoxins
  32. U.S. Corn Grades & Conversions
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Kernel Volume

Kernel volume in cubic centimeters (cm3) is often indicative of growing conditions. Small or round kernels are more difficult to degerm. Additionally, small kernels may lead to increased cleanout losses for processors and higher yields of fiber.

Results

  • Average U.S. Aggregate kernel volume (0.28 cm3) was higher than 2016/2017, 2015/2016 and 5YA (all 0.27 cm3).
  • Kernel volume range (0.22 to 0.32 cm3) was similar to 2016/2017 (0.24 to 0.31 cm3) and 2015/2016 (0.23 to 0.31 cm3).
  • The kernel volume standard deviation (0.01 cm3) was the same as 2016/2017, 2015/2016 and 5YA.
  • Average U.S. Aggregate kernel volume at export (0.28 cm3) was lower than at harvest (0.29 cm3) in 2017/2018, but higher than the export and harvest 5YAs (both 0.27 cm3).
  • Average kernel volume was smaller for the Pacific Northwest ECA (0.25 cm3) than for the Gulf and Southern Rail ECAs (both 0.29 cm3) in 2017/2018. The Pacific Northwest ECA had either the same or the lowest average kernel volume for 2016/2017, 2015/2016 and 5YA.
  • Of the 2017/2018 export samples, 64.7% had kernel volumes equal to or greater than 0.28 cm3, compared with 33% in 2016/2017 and 34% in 2015/2016. This indicates a higher percentage of large kernels in 2017/2018 than in the previous two years.
  • There is a positive relationship for the 2017/2018 export corn between kernel volume and 100-kernel weight, as shown in the adjacent figure (the correlation coefficient is 0.99). This indicates that the higher the weight of 100 kernels of corn, the greater the kernel volume.
  • Average kernel volume for contracts loaded as U.S. No. 2 o/b (0.28 cm3) was the same as contracts loaded as U.S. No. 3 o/b.