USDA Cuts 2026-27 Corn Yield to 178.5 Bushels per Acre
The USDA lowered the 2026-27 U.S. corn yield estimate to 178.5 bushels per acre. This marks a decline from the previous month's projection of 180.7 bushels per acre.
The USDA lowered the 2026-27 U.S. corn yield estimate to 178.5 bushels per acre. This marks a decline from the previous month's projection of 180.7 bushels per acre. The agency released these figures in its September Crop Production and World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates reports. The data reflects updated assessments of crop conditions across the country.
U.S. corn production for the 2026-27 season is now estimated at 15,800 million bushels. This figure sits slightly above the market average of 15,768 million bushels. The previous August estimate was 16,013 million bushels. Soybean production was revised to 4,535 million bushels for the same period.
Domestic Stock Levels Adjusted
Ending stocks for U.S. corn in 2025-26 are estimated at 1,922 million bushels. This is below the market average of 1,954 million bushels. For the 2026-27 crop year, ending stocks are projected at 1,567 million bushels. This represents an increase from the previous estimate of 1,653 million bushels.
Soybean ending stocks for 2025-26 are set at 325 million bushels. The 2026-27 soybean ending stock estimate is 310 million bushels. This is lower than the prior estimate of 320 million bushels. Wheat ending stocks for 2026-27 are estimated at 717 million bushels.
Global Supply Estimates Revised
World corn ending stocks for 2025-26 are estimated at 301.4 million metric tons. This is higher than the market average of 298.6 million metric tons. For 2026-27, global corn stocks are projected at 272.1 million metric tons. This is a decrease from the previous estimate of 274.7 million metric tons.
Global soybean ending stocks for 2025-26 are estimated at 125.3 million metric tons. The 2026-27 global soybean stock estimate is 124.0 million metric tons. This is lower than the previous estimate of 124.2 million metric tons. World wheat ending stocks for 2026-27 are estimated at 276.3 million metric tons. These figures provide a baseline for international trade flow expectations.
Market Reaction and Analysis
Market participants closely monitored the release for directional cues. The reduction in the corn yield estimate signaled tighter domestic supply. Analysts noted the shift in production numbers relative to the prior month. The data was distributed via Agrarmärkte (Google News) alongside other agricultural updates.
The 2026-27 corn yield of 178.5 bushels per acre is below the 2025-26 level of 186.5 bushels. This trend suggests a continued adjustment in agricultural output. The soybean yield estimate of 52.8 bushels per acre is slightly above the prior year's 53.0 bushels. These metrics inform pricing strategies for traders and producers. The reports serve as a key reference for the coming trading session.
