Sep 27, 2023
2023 U.S. Corn Yield Lowered 1.5 Bushels to 171.5 bu/ac
Author: Michael Cordonnier/Soybean & Corn Advisor, Inc.
The 2023 U.S. corn yield was lowered 1.5 bushels this week to 171.5 bu/ac and I have a neutral to slightly lower bias going forward. The 2023 U.S. corn production is estimated at 14.93 billion bushels.
The soil moisture in the western Corn Belt has improved with recent rains, but it is coming too late for any meaningful improvement in corn yields. Yields in the eastern Corn Belt could set records, but they will be disappointing in many areas of the western Corn Belt especially Iowa and southern Minnesota. The corn is 70% mature nationwide compared to 60% average, so the improved soil moisture is coming too late to add much additional kernel weight.
The 2023 U.S. corn rating improved 2% this week to 53% rated good/excellent. The corn is 95% dented compared to 91% last year and 93% average. The corn is 70% mature compared to 55% last year and 60% average and the corn is 15% harvested compared to 11% last year and 13% average.
The corn is maturing faster than average especially in the western Corn Belt, which leaves less time for kernel fill. The corn in Iowa is 83% mature compared to 60% average and the corn in Minnesota is 80% mature compared to 54% average.