The segment is available online at http://tinyurl.com/cornharvest15.   

The December USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report estimates that the U.S. corn crop this year will reach 13.6 billion bushels (345.5 million metric tons). While this is not a record, it is still a large crop and, by most indications, one of very good quality.

In Texas, corn farmers experienced weather challenges early.

“It’s not been a typical year here,� said Texas corn farmer Chad Wetzel. “We had a wet spring that lead to a late start but, overall, yields did improve so our harvest, while still below average, was not bad.�

“We had timely rains in the growing season after starting very early in April,� Purath said. “However, on July 24 the rain ended. Since then, we’ve only had 2 inches of rain.�In the Northern U.S. Corn Belt, Minnesota Corn Farmer, Gary Purath also said weather had a major impact on the final outcome of his corn crop.

Despite the limited rainfall, Gary’s corn yields and quality remained high, averaging between 155 to 185 bushels per acre (9.7 to 11.6 tons per hectare). Wetzel echoed Purath’s sentiment, adding that seed genetics helped his yield.

“The test weights on the grain were exceptional this year, which I attribute to seed genetics,� Wetzel said.

Following harvest, many U.S. farmers store their crops in on-farm bins until they are ready to sell. During the storage period, they monitor quality closely.  

“We will monitor the corn in the bins throughout the fall and winter by taking samples out to make sure there are no pests in the corn and ensure it’s being stored at the proper temperature,� Wetzel said. “If not, we will take the steps we need to fix any issues.�

For those looking to purchase U.S. corn, the Council has a list of commercial grain exporters available on its website, http://grains.org/buyingselling/corn/commercial-grain-exporters. USGC staff is also available to answer any questions customers may have about the global grain trade.