Is the U.S. Corn and Soybean Crop Getting Smaller?
The 2025 U.S. corn and soybean crops face late-season challenges from drought and disease, raising concerns about lower yields. Southern rust is affecting corn, with severe cases cutting up to 45% of yield, while flash drought has hit portions of the Corn Belt, depleting topsoil moisture and accelerating crop maturity. Despite these issues, mild temperatures have helped ease stress. Analysts expect some yield reductions may appear in October’s test weights, but USDA could still raise September estimates based on ear and pod counts. Overall, the crops remain historically large, though top-end yields and quality may be affected.
Market watchers are closely monitoring these developments as they could influence commodity prices and planting decisions next season.
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