Corn
Field corn is the most widely produced feed grain in the United States, accounting for more than 90 percent of total value and production of feed grains. Most of the crop is used as the main ingredient in livestock feed.
Food-grade corn is also processed into a multitude of food and industrial products including starch, sweeteners, corn oil, beverage and industrial alcohol, and fuel ethanol. The United States is a major player in the world corn trade market, with approximately 20 percent of the corn crop exported to other countries. (Corn, ERS, USDA)
U.S. corn production in 2010 declined to nearly 12.5 billion bushels, down 5 percent from last year's record crop. Corn yields also declined, averaging 152.8 bushels per acre, down 11.9 bushels from 2009's record yield. However, the average corn price jumped to $5.40 per bushel from last year's $3.55 per bushel. As a result, the total value of the 2010 corn crop skyrocketed to nearly $66.7 billion. In terms of production, the top four states were (in order): Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Minnesota. (Crop Production Annual Summary and Crop Values Annual Summary, NASS, USDA, 2011.)
For more information about corn quality and storage, visit the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative.
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