With corn prices softer and corn planting setting a record pace, the largest crop since 1937 is expected, experts say. However, farmers in the Midwest are weathering numerous challenges in finding enough seed to plant, specifically seed for biotech corn.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says this year's crop will be nearly 96 million acres, up 4 percent from last year and the highest level since 97.2 million acres in 1937, according to a story in Agweek.
Factors such as wet weather and high demand last year caused less corn seed to be planted and subsequently harvested.
"On April 6th, that's when farmers could actually start planting and still be covered by if there was frost or whatever, and they needed to replant. So, a lot of farmers were holding out for that," said Brad Schwab, a USDA statistician.
Corn has an importance for producers, as it is used for livestock and human consumption as well as ethanol fuel.
Furthermore, corn is the most widely produced feed grain in the United States, accounting for more than 90 percent of total value and production of feed grains, according to the USDA.
Approximately 20 percent of the corn crop each year is exported to other countries, making the U.S. a major player in world corn markets.
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Market Analysis
June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.