U.S. Grains Council releases 2023-24 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report

The average aggregate quality of U.S. corn samples tested for the U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC’s) 2023/2024 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report released this week was better than or equal to U.S. No. 2 on all grade factors and represented an improvement on the five-year average (5YA) of previous crops on several fronts.

“The Council is committed to furthering global food security and mutual economic benefit through trade,” said Brent Boydston, USGC Chairman. “In doing so, it offers this report to assist buyers in making well-informed decisions by providing reliable and timely information about the quality of U.S. corn destined for export.”

The report is based on 433 yellow commodity corn samples collected from export shipments as they underwent inspection and grading processes performed by the federal grain inspection service or other licensed inspectors.

The 2023 U.S. growing season endured low rainfall during the pollination period followed by extended periods of heat and drought, but a rapid maturation period ensured a timely harvest and contributed to the 2023 corn crop’s high overall quality.

Average test weight, which came in at 58.1 pounds per bushel, was higher than in 2022/2023 and the 5YA. Chemical analysis indicated an 8.9 percent protein concentration, up from 8.7 percent last year and above the 5YA. All samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration action level for aflatoxins and deoxynivalenol.

The export cargo quality report is a companion to the 2023/2024 Corn Harvest Quality Report, published last fall. The new report provides information about the quality of the most recent U.S. corn crop at harvest as it enters the international merchandising channels.

Both reports provide reliable information on U.S. corn quality from the farm to the customer based on transparent and consistent methodology, offering an early view of grading factors established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, moisture content and other characteristics not reported elsewhere. The reports identify any noticeable changes occurring between these two time periods caused by shipping and logistics.

The Council will roll out the new results in a series of crop quality seminars in the coming months, including events in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and South Korea. These outreach activities help establish clear expectations with buyers and end-users regarding the quality of corn this marketing year.

Tags: corn, drought, U.S., U.S. Grains Council, quality