Corn Supply Falls While Feed Grain Prices Rise

Feed grain supplies may tighten in 2026/27, supporting higher corn and sorghum prices despite large crops.

corn grain silo stock photo_input costs and producer inflation_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. feed grain supplies are expected to tighten in 2026/27, even with corn production still projected as the second largest crop on record. USDA’s Economic Research Service says corn production is forecast at 16.0 billion bushels, down 6 percent from last year.

Planted corn acreage is expected at 95.3 million acres, down 3.5 million from 2025/26. USDA projects harvested acres at 87.4 million, with yield falling from last year’s record 186.5 bushels per acre to 183.0.

Corn use is also expected to decline. Exports are forecast at 3.15 billion bushels, still the second-largest on record, while ethanol use is projected to remain unchanged at 5.6 billion bushels.

Sorghum production is projected to be lower, at 367 million bushels, with exports falling to 205 million bushels. China remains central to sorghum demand after accounting for most U.S. export movement in recent years.

USDA projects corn ending stocks at 1.96 billion bushels and the season-average price at $4.40 per bushel.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Feed grain supplies may tighten in 2026/27, supporting higher corn and sorghum prices despite large crops.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Related Stories
A tax preparer can help identify penalty and interest charges and determine whether Form 843 should be filed.
Thailand will not replace major corn buyers overnight, but renewed access could create another outlet for U.S. corn demand.
Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton joins us to discuss fertilizer affordability concerns, Senate Agriculture Committee testimony, and spring planting conditions in Kentucky.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition joins us to discuss the proposed federal gas tax suspension, fuel cost pressures, and what the policy could mean for agriculture and transportation.
China’s soybean buying is shifting hard toward Brazil, leaving U.S. shipments at risk of slowing as South America’s record crop reaches export channels
For dairy producers, that could help support fluid milk use in cafeterias, breakfast programs, and other child nutrition settings.

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:

Farmdoc economist estimates 2024 colony stock losses at roughly $175 million, with rebuilding and renovation costs near $161 million.
EU simplification may reduce some paperwork, but U.S. exporters still face costly traceability requirements.
Lower wheat production, smaller stocks, and higher projected prices explain the rally and put more attention on Plains crop conditions.
U.S. grain export inspections stayed solid for the week ending May 7, with corn still leading the export pace and soybeans posting a strong weekly rebound.
U.S. beef imports are running at a record pace while exports are falling, reflecting tight domestic cattle supplies and high U.S. beef prices.
ASFMRA’s Chad Hertz joins us to discuss farmland trends, economic pressures facing producers, and how outside influences are shaping today’s land market.