JOHNSTON, Iowa – January 12, 2010 – U.S. corn production records shattered as we see that seed technology, and efficiency continue to improve the way corn growers do their job.
Just this morning, the USDA announced that U.S. farmers pulled off the largest corn and soybean crops on record, according to the Crop Production 2009 Summary released today by National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
Corn production is a staggering 13.2 billion bushels, nearly 10 percent higher than the 2008 crop year. Most impressive is even with nationwide weather challenges from hail, to rain, to snow, corn yields reached an all-time high in 2009 at 165.2 bushels per acre, well above the 160.3 bushels per acre set in 2004.
“With those production numbers, nationwide corn production would be equal to three-fourths of a trillion pounds,” said Tim Burrack, a farmer from NE Iowa and chairman of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. “With the U.S population at 304 million, that’s enough corn for every person in the U.S. to consume 2,431 pounds of corn; plenty for all food, feed, fuel, and fiber needs. This once again demonstrates that the food versus fuel argument is complete false.”
In Iowa, where corn is a champion in the fields, corn production numbers are up from 12.8 in 2008 to 13.4 in 2009. But, not all the corn is on the barge, in the bin, or on the rail cars. In parts of Iowa, corn remains standing in the snow waiting for a combine.
“The staggering numbers released today are a true reflection of the value of new traits and hybrids available to farmers.” said Burrack, who experienced one of the latest harvest seasons in his 37 years of farming. “Never underestimate the capacity of the corn grower to produce under even the most challenging weather conditions.”
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The Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB), works to develop and defend markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and corn products. The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is a membership organization lobbying on agricultural issues on behalf of its 6,000 farmer members. Both organizations work on the joint mission to created opportunities for long-term Iowa corn grower profitability.