This week’s bullish WASDE report surprised farmers and shook markets.
They have now stabilized, but corn growers are still worried about the impact of such a large crop at harvest.
The acting Chief of USDA’s NASS crops branch says that these are the highest numbers in a decade.
According to Anthony Prillaman, “Now looking at the planted and harvested corn numbers graphically across the past ten years, you can see that this year’s planted total is the highest across this time series, and in fact, this is the second-highest planted area on record since 1936, only behind the amount planted in 2012. You can see how this year’s forecasted yield of 188.8 bushels compares to the previous years in trend. Now, as you can see, this is the third consecutive year of higher yields, and this year’s forecasted yield is above trend.”
Leading the way in production are the I states: Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. High yields are also expected in Minnesota, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Eliza Petry joins the RFD News team with a strong connection to agriculture and a commitment to covering the people and issues that matter most to rural America.
January 29, 2026 01:31 PM
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Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
January 28, 2026 11:35 AM
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Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
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Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
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Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
January 26, 2026 01:33 PM
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Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
January 26, 2026 10:00 AM
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