by PressUSGC experts assess the US corn quality
High US corn quality: survey results
The US Grains Council (USGC) has noted the high quality of the 2024-2025 corn crop. According to the annual survey, the current crop was one of the best in history. Favourable weather conditions during the growing season contributed to the high performance.
According to the USGC, corn maturity was characterised by the rapid emergence of seedlings. This was due to optimal weather conditions. The growing season included sufficient rainfall to ensure fast growth. During pollination, meteorologists recorded a moderate temperature regime. The dry weather continued during the drying and harvesting phases. The combination of these weather conditions made it possible to achieve high yields:
— corn moisture was the lowest in five years;
— the harvest was one of the three largest in American agricultural history;
— it ranked first in weight per 100 kernels for any season on record;
— the crop had the lowest level of broken grains and foreign matter (BCFM);
— grain damage was also the lowest in five years.
Each year, the USGC publishes a study on the quality and characteristics of the current corn crop. This report aims to increase transparency between producers and buyers. The organisation seeks to support the development of grain markets and trading activities. In addition, USGC research provides an opportunity to monitor trends and analyse factors affecting production. This is particularly valuable to buyers, who receive an annual assessment of grain quality based on weather and growing conditions.
Grain characteristics
Before it reaches the market, corn undergoes a series of tests. The 2024 crop fully meets the required parameters and is ahead of previous seasons in some characteristics. According to the study, more than 89% of the kernels taken for analysis meet the requirements for US variety No. 1, and about 96% meet the characteristics of US variety No. 2. The maximum test weight was almost 59 pounds per bushel. The average cumulative damage was 1.1%, which is below the 5-year average.
Experts selected 620 samples of yellow corn for the study. They grew in different regions and were taken from fields in 12 states. The experts took samples directly from elevators located in the area where the corn was ripening. This approach allowed them to conduct comparative analyses of grain from different regions, identify the impact of climatic conditions on the crop, and assess the overall quality of the product.
USGC officials hope the new season will be just as successful for corn growers. The record 2024 numbers set a serious bar to aim for in the future.