NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — A massive U.S. corn harvest is colliding with only incremental demand gains, keeping prices heavy into winter.
In an analysis for Mississippi State University, Will Maples noted that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) September projection of 16.8 billion bushels—nearly 1.5 billion above the 2023 record—would hold even if yields are trimmed post-harvest.
Most use sits in three bins: feed, ethanol, and exports
Feed demand is pegged near 6.1 billion bushels, the highest since at least 2000, supported by lower prices and rising grain-consuming animal units (100.8 in 2025 vs. 99.9 last year). Ethanol grind is projected around 5.6 billion bushels (up from 5.4), with year-round E15 still a potential kicker.
Exports are the standout
Sales are tracking toward a record 3.0 billion bushels, led by Mexico, Japan, and Colombia—despite China’s absence since 2023/24 and a pause in weekly updates during the shutdown-scrapped October WASDE. Maples’ bottom line: strong use won’t outrun record supply, so price relief rests on final production and disciplined marketing.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
December 24, 2024 12:02 PM
December 19, 2024 10:17 AM
RanchHER Jessie Jarvis is a third-generation Idaho cattle rancher and an esteemed figure in the ag industry and Western world. She seamlessly balances her roles as a business owner, influencer, podcast host, public speaker, rancher, wife and mother.
December 03, 2024 11:44 AM
·
Legal issues can arise for farmers and ranchers when conducting business informally or in another state. RFD-TV Ag Law & Tax Expert Roger McEowen explores both topics in his latest Firm to Farm blog post.
December 03, 2024 11:11 AM
·
November 20, 2024 06:13 PM
Key legal & tax insights for farmers, like accumulated earnings tax, using 401(k) to start farming, ag data in court, and maximizing farm home-sale exclusions when selling your farm.
November 14, 2024 05:03 PM
·
November 13, 2024 04:49 PM
November 08, 2024 11:59 AM
Golden Harvest & GHX Soy Product Manager Ryan Dunsbergen tells us what farmers can expect when it comes to new soybean varieties for the new year.
November 07, 2024 02:40 PM
