Corn Report Highlights Record Yield and Top Quality

Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. corn producers are set to deliver the largest crop in history with some of the cleanest grain ever measured, according to the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council’s 2025/2026 Corn Harvest Quality Report.

The survey projects a record 425.53 million metric tons of crop, supported by the highest average yield on record — 186 bushels per acre — following a largely favorable growing season. Quality indicators were equally strong, with the lowest broken corn and foreign material (BCFM) levels in the report’s 15-year history at just 0.3 percent.

Nearly 87 percent of samples met all numerical standards for U.S. No. 1 grade corn, and more than 97 percent met No. 2 requirements. Protein concentrations averaged 8.4 percent, and all samples tested below FDA action levels for aflatoxins.

The report, based on 621 samples across 12 major producing states, reinforces the United States’ role as the world’s leading exporter, expected to supply 38 percent of global corn shipments this marketing year.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Record yields and exceptionally low BCFM strengthen U.S. corn’s competitive position in global markets.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
Margin pressure and competitiveness concerns are shaping cautious outlooks.
More than 15 million birds were affected by bird flu, but fewer outbreaks are helping bring egg prices down
Fewer DEF-related shutdowns could mean more uptime during planting and harvest seasons.
Widespread drought and extreme weather leave producers managing limited resources
Rising fertilizer costs tied to tariffs are tightening margins for U.S. wheat growers, according to new data from the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, outlines potential risks for agriculture as negotiations continue between the two countries

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was once again on the national stage, front and center this week before the House Agriculture Committee.
Let’s take a look at harvest progress as of early September 2025, across all 50 U.S. States, prepared by Market Day Report anchor and RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James.
Labor is an ongoing crisis in the ag sector. One industry group outlines three vital reforms to the H-2A visa program that farmers need to secure an affordable, stable workforce.
Experts estimate the flooding from Hurricane Helene caused more than $1.3 billion in damage to Tennessee agriculture.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.