Record US corn harvest: Farmers demand immediate action to expand markets

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is escalating its calls for action from Congress and the administration following the USDA’s latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, which forecasts a record 16.7 billion bushel (424.2 million tonnes) corn crop for 2025. This projection threatens the livelihoods of farmers already grappling with record-low corn prices, further driving down prices due to oversupply.

Kenneth Hartman Jr., an Illinois farmer and NCGA President, stated that farmers are forced to sell corn at extremely low prices, and the absence of market-driven solutions to boost demand is worsening the situation. The NCGA is pushing for legislation to enable year-round consumer access to 15% ethanol blend (E15), which could increase corn demand by 457 million bushels (11.6 million tonnes) without additional infrastructure costs.

The WASDE report projects an average corn yield of 188.8 bushels per acre, resulting in a crop 1.4 billion bushels (35.6 million tonnes) larger than the previous US record set in 2023, a 9.1% increase. This substantial production volume necessitates immediate market expansion to prevent further price declines, which have already hit contract lows.

The NCGA is also urging the US administration to expedite trade agreements with countries like India, Vietnam, and Kenya, which are strategically vital markets for American corn. Farmers emphasize the need for swift action to avoid a repeat of the 1980s farm crisis.

“My family survived the 1980s farm crisis, and I don’t want my daughter talking about a 2020s farm crisis in 40 years,” Hartman said. The surplus of corn and low prices create a critical situation, and only new market opportunities can help farmers overcome these challenges.

Tags: corn, export, USA, crop forecast