WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. crop production in 2025 delivered a sharp contrast across major commodities, with record-setting corn output offset by smaller soybean and cotton crops, according to the USDA Crop Production 2025 Summary (PDF Version) released by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Strong yields drove production gains in feed grains, while acreage shifts and weather pressures limited oilseed and fiber output.
Corn production reached a record 17.0 billion bushels, up 14 percent from 2024. The national average yield climbed to a record 186.5 bushels per acre, while harvested acreage expanded 10 percent to 91.3 million acres. The combination of higher yields and larger area firmly reestablished corn as the dominant driver of U.S. grain supply in 2025.
Sorghum followed a similar pattern. Grain sorghum production jumped 27 percent to 437 million bushels, supported by both higher acreage and sharply improved yields. Average yield rose to 72.6 bushels per acre, more than 11 bushels above last year, reflecting favorable growing conditions across key Plains production areas.
Soybean production moved in the opposite direction. Total output fell 3 percent to 4.26 billion bushels, despite a record average yield of 53.0 bushels per acre. Harvested acreage declined 7 percent from 2024, limiting total production and reinforcing tighter balance sheet expectations compared with corn. Wheat production was steadier, with stocks and output reflecting more stable acreage and yield outcomes relative to other crops.
Cotton production also trended lower. All cotton output totaled 13.9 million bales, down 3 percent from 2024. Yields slipped to 856 pounds per acre, while harvested area edged slightly lower, underscoring ongoing challenges tied to weather variability and input cost pressures in major cotton regions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record corn and sorghum crops boost feed grain supplies, while reduced soybean and cotton production tighten outlooks for oilseeds and fiber markets.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
September 23, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
September 23, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.
September 23, 2025 11:06 AM
·
According to the most recent version of the Household Food Security Report for 2022-2023, food insecurity is on the rise in the U.S.
September 22, 2025 01:49 PM
·
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
·
Record U.S. sorghum crop faces weak demand as China slashes imports, while corn farmers warn of rising costs, shrinking margins, and global market pressures.
September 22, 2025 11:46 AM
·
Fewer cattle on feed suggest smaller slaughter numbers this winter, which could support strong prices if beef demand holds firm.
September 22, 2025 11:10 AM
·
Dairy farmers are expected to face strong output and export gains, but lower prices and tighter margins will persist into next year.
September 22, 2025 10:52 AM
·
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across each region of the United States for the week of Monday, September 22, 2025.
September 22, 2025 10:21 AM
·
