Record Corn Crop Expected by USDA

(KNSI) – According to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture report, 2025 has been bushels of fun for corn farmers.

The federal agency is now projecting a record corn harvest. The news sent prices tumbling 13 cents on Tuesday in response, which will be welcome news for grocery shoppers. Not only is corn a favorite food on its own, but it also provides a base for many crunchy snacks. Corn is one of the main components of feed for dairy and cattle herds.

American farmers are expected to pull up 16.7 billion bushels of corn from the ground in the coming months. The result is due to more acres being devoted to the crop, plus an increase in yield of 9.5 bushels per acre. The expected mark of 188.8 bushels per acre is also a record. Total corn production, should it hit the USDA’s mark, will be up 9.5% compared to last year.

The USDA relays that 73% of the corn crop is in good or excellent condition nationwide. Once again, that is better than at the same time last year.

The national trend is also showing up in state data. In Minnesota, farmers planted an additional 500,000 acres compared to 2024. In total, they laid down 8.7 million acres of seeds. Yield surged from 178 bushels per acre to 202, a gain of over 13%.

Sweet corn harvesting is already underway. Traditional corn is typically ripe in late September or early October. It depends on weather, when planting took place, and the strain used.

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