The core region's corn planting area exceeded expectations, reaching nearly 2 million hectares, which is 564,000 hectares more than anticipated. After accounting for areas used for animal consumption and losses due to leafhoppers, the commercial corn area was 1.6 million hectares. Initially, an average yield of 10.3 t/ha was expected, projecting a production of 16.5 Mt of corn. However, due to leafhopper impacts on late sowings, the final yield for the 2023/24 season was 9.1 t/ha, resulting in a total production of 14.5 Mt.