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USGC corn quality report shows good yields

The harvest quality report from the US Grain’s Council shows a good to excellent quality corn crop contributed to this year’s record yields.

According to the report, the projected yield is 14.6 billion bushels, the second-largest crop on record.

Heavy rainfall across several states delayed harvest and dry down and although the moisture content was higher than the five-year average, damage levels remained low.

Ninety-five percent of U.S. corn samples were rated at U.S. grade No. 2 or better. The report also showed good quality corn entering the market channel.

Average test weight of 58.4 pounds per bushel was higher than the five-year average and indicates good kernel filling and maturation. Average 100-kernel weight of 36.1 grams was higher than the previous two years, signifying larger kernels than in previous years.

About 98 percent of samples tested below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration action level for aflatoxins. One-hundred percent of the samples tested below the FDA advisory level for vomitoxins for chicken, cattle, hogs and other animals.

The 2017/2018 harvest report is based on more than 600 corn samples taken from 12 of the top corn-producing and exporting states. This is the seventh year for the report.