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Farmer reaction to latest WASDE report, record corn yield forecast

Some farmers might be skeptical of the USDA projecting record corn yields given some of the challenges this growing season.

But, Minnesota Farm Bureau president Kevin Paap says many parts of the Corn Belt have enjoyed good weather at the right time.

“We were not so fortunate this spring to be able to get in early with our crops.  It was a later-than-normal corn planting.  But a lot of the Corn Belt did get in early (and) had perfect spring weather.”

He tells Brownfield corn that matured through pollination before it got hot will probably produce big yields.

“I’m hearing from some people this might be the best corn crop of their lives.  We appreciate that (but) it’s a little harder when that’s not your story and you still see it take the prices down.”

Corn and soybean prices plummeted after USDA raised production estimates for both crops Friday.

Paap says crops in Minnesota are extremely variable this year.