USGC’s Corn Quality Report shows high yields, rollout events highlight results 

By Emma Dostal 

The U.S. Grains Council’s (USGC) 2024-25 Corn Harvest Quality Report, the 14th such annual survey, was published globally in December. The 2024 U.S. corn crop is projected to be the third largest on record with the highest 100-kernel weight in the history of the report and lower broken corn and foreign material (BCFM), lower total damage and lower moisture than in the last five years. 

Favorable growing season conditions contributed to the highest projected average yield on record and promoted good grain quality. Relatively warm, dry conditions during September and October also permitted an effective dry-down and timely harvest, thus maintaining the overall quality of the 2024 corn crop. 

Despite slightly lower harvested hectares compared to last year, total production is projected to be 384.64 million metric tons (15,143 million bushels). The report also showed that 89.2 percent of the samples met all grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 1 grade, and 96.2 percent met the grade factor requirements for U.S. No. 2 grade corn. 

“The Council takes pride in producing this annual report that proves the quality and abundance of U.S. corn year over year,” said Verity Ulibarri, USGC chairwoman. “Because the U.S. is dedicated to transparency and sharing it with potential buyers, it helps them make informed decisions and aligns with the Council’s mission of developing markets, enabling trade and improving lives. 

“The information contained in the report provides the foundation for evaluating trends and the factors that impact corn quality. The cumulative reports also enable export buyers to make year-to-year comparisons and assess patterns of corn quality based on crop growing conditions across the years.” 

The Council is presenting its findings to buyers around the world in a series of rollout events through the first quarter of 2025, offering participants clear expectations regarding the quality of corn for this marketing year. During these initiatives, crop quality information is accompanied by updates on U.S. corn grading and handling, that provides importers and end-users with a better understanding of how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels. 

“Every year the U.S. Grains Council conducts corn quality rollouts throughout our global offices, where we discuss with our international customers about what we found in the report,” Alexander Grabois, USGC manager of global strategies and trade said. “The rollouts allow for the Council to discuss key market specific topics to help guide our end-users on how to maximize the efficiency and results when using U.S. corn and other feed grains.” 

In many cases, the Council invites U.S. producers to speak at the rollouts, where they provide valuable insight on their specific farm, practices and crop quality while also showing customers how they approach each part of harvest.Hearing these first-hand experiences is a valuable way for international customers to create a deeper connection with U.S. farmers while simultaneously building a greater understanding of the early stages of the U.S. grain marketing system. 

Read the full 2024-25 USGC Corn Harvest Quality Report here and stay up to date on its associated rollout events on the USGC’s website.