The United States has achieved a historic milestone in agriculture, producing a record 17.02 billion bushels of corn, supported by an exceptional yield of 186.5 bushels per acre, according to the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Despite this success, the farming sector continues to face financial strain, marking its fourth straight year of losses. Although demand has kept pace with the increased supply, market prices have not risen sufficiently to counterbalance soaring production expenses.
Gretchen Kuck, an economist at the NCGA, emphasized the need for stronger demand-side strategies. “Farmers have delivered on production, but now we need market opportunities that reflect this achievement,” she said. “Our corn is competitively priced and abundant, but without expanded demand, profitability remains out of reach.”
One key initiative gaining attention is the push for nationwide, year-round availability of E15 fuel. While former President Trump expressed support during a visit to Iowa, promising swift action, legislative momentum in Congress has slowed. Instead of passing immediate legislation, House leaders have proposed forming an “E15 Rural Energy Council” to study the matter further.
Beyond energy policy, growers are also responding to public discussions around health and agriculture, particularly under initiatives like “Make America Healthy Again,” which have prompted scrutiny of crop inputs and corn-based products. Industry representatives are relying on scientific evidence to affirm the safety and quality of their output.
“We come prepared with data,” Kuck stated. “Getting consensus in Washington is difficult, but the message is clear: corn producers need actionable solutions.”
With the 2026 planting season approaching, stakeholders are urging lawmakers to open new domestic and international markets to ensure that high yields translate into sustainable incomes for farming households.
— news from Madison’s Country Q106
— News Original —
Record Corn Crop Faces Economic Headwinds
The National Corn Growers Association tells Mid-West Farm Report that the U.S. has produced a record-shattering 17.02 billion bushel corn crop. It’s driven by an unprecedented yield of 186.5 bushels per acre. n nDespite this feat, the agricultural sector is grappling with a fourth consecutive year of negative returns. The surge in supply, while matched by record demand, has failed to lift market prices high enough to offset near-record input costs. n n“We’ve done the supply side work and that demand needs to be able to meet the moment,” says Gretchen Kuck, an economist with the NCGA. “We have this corn, it’s really competitively priced and we have plenty of it, and we need demand solutions to make that demand and those market opportunities match the achievement that our farmers have come up with.” n nA primary focus for growers is the push for year-round, nationwide sales of E15 fuel. While President Trump recently signaled his support, telling farmers in Iowa he would sign such a bill “without delay,” legislative progress in Washington remains stalled. Instead of a permanent fix, House leadership recently proposed the creation of an “E15 Rural Energy Council” to further study the issue. n nBeyond biofuels, farmers are also navigating the “Make America Healthy Again” dialogue, which has raised questions about crop protection tools and corn products. Industry leaders are currently leaning on data to defend the safety of their yields. n n“We absolutely come armed with the data,” Kuck emphasizes. “It’s really, really tough in Washington to have a deal that makes everybody happy. But the message that we are leaving these folks with… is that this needs to get done for corn farmers.” n nAs the 2026 planting season approaches, the pressure remains on Congress to unlock new domestic and foreign trade markets to ensure that record-breaking harvests can sustain farm families.