Corn has all chances to become the main crop in 2025 in the US

This spring, American farmers will increase corn acreage while reducing plantings of soybeans, spring wheat, sorghum, and other crops, according to a report by CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange. Data released on February 20 predicts that in 2025, corn acreage will rise by 4.2% to 94.6 million acres. This growth is driven by rising global prices, strong export demand, and record ethanol production. Additionally, profitable margins in the livestock and poultry sectors are supporting increased corn demand.

According to CoBank grain market economist Tanner Ehmke, while farmers typically adhere to traditional crop rotations, the rising price of corn relative to other crops is prompting a significant acreage shift. He notes that the acreage balance remains subject to market factors, but for now, corn appears poised to dominate in 2025. It is also expected that due to low feed prices, some acres previously used for silage corn will be converted to grain corn production, increasing grain corn acreage by 5% to 87 million acres.

At the same time, the report highlights that potential trade conflicts with Canada and Mexico could threaten the growing demand for U.S. corn. Trade disputes with Canada may restrict U.S. ethanol exports, while restrictions from Mexico could significantly reduce U.S. corn shipments.

Soybean acreage is projected to decrease by 3.6% to 84 million acres. However, this decline will be partially offset by an expansion of winter wheat acreage, which creates opportunities for double-cropping soybeans after the wheat harvest. U.S. winter wheat acreage stands at 34.12 million acres, up 2.1%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

CoBank also forecasts a 5.9% reduction in spring wheat acreage to 10 million acres due to low prices and a strong dollar. Sorghum plantings are expected to drop by 9.5% to 5.7 million acres due to weak demand from China, which typically accounts for 90-95% of U.S. sorghum exports. However, low prices are encouraging increased use of sorghum in livestock feed and ethanol production, which could help support the domestic market.

Tags: sorghum, corn, soybean, wheat, USA, sown area