USA: USGC report shows improved corn crop

US corn samples tested for the US Grains Council’s (USGC) 2023-24 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report revealed a crop that withstood challenging weather conditions to emerge with an average aggregate quality better than or equal to US No. 2 on all grade factors, an improvement on the five-year average, the USGC said. The report released this week is based on 433 yellow commodity corn samples collected from export shipments as they underwent inspection and grading processes performed by the Federal Grain Inspection Service or other licensed inspectors. The 2023 US growing season experienced low rainfall during the pollination period followed by extended periods of heat and drought, but a rapid maturation period ensured a timely harvest and contributed to the 2023 corn crop’s high overall quality. Average test weight, which came in at 58.1 pounds per bushel, was higher than in 2022-23 and the five-year average, according to the report. Chemical analysis indicated an 8.9% protein ...