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USDA could cut corn yields again in January, says StoneX economist

The chief commodities economist at StoneX Group says he’s expecting the USDA to reduce corn yields again in the January report.

“History would argue that we do get more yield reductions in January.”

Arlan Suderman says big crops tend to get smaller, but it’s unclear how much smaller.

“We do have very strong corn export demand right now, but feed usage is is way over assessed considering the lower animal numbers. USDA is looking for opportunities to lower corn yield I think so they can lower their feed usage number.”

In the November USDA report, the agency said the U.S. corn yield was at 186 bushels per acre. But Suderman says the U.S. corn yield needs to get closer to 182 bushels per acre to offset feed usage. He says it’s possible that could happen.

The USDA’s initial 2025 total corn yield and production estimates are out January 12.