Insight Focus
- US 2022-23 corn output could be cut if June’s record heat in Midwest continues.
- USDA has lowered its corn production forecast for 2022/23 on heatwave.
- Similar conditions in 2012 caused the lowest corn output in the last 10 years.
The US’ 2022-23 corn crop looks well underway, but the heatwave in the Midwest could mean trouble ahead. Planting was successful and corn has begun emerging from the ground. However, the weather in June and July is critical to the success of the crop. So far, June has been extremely hot. Farmers have been able to handle this but if temperatures were to remain this high into July, they could cut corn production.
USDA Corn Production Forecast Falls for 2022-23
The US Department of Agriculture cut its production forecast for 2022-23 in its latest outlook because of weather concerns.
Temperatures in the Midwest have hit record highs for the time of year. .
The weather forecasts for July, are showing temperatures continuing to increase, which does not bode well for corn production.
If this weather continues it could see reduce corn yields. In 2012, the Midwest was hit by extreme heat, resulting in the lowest US corn production in the last 10 years.
The decrease in corn production came from agricultural yields. With extreme heat, corn struggles to make it through the season.
We will continue to monitor the weather in the Midwest to get a clearer picture of US corn production. However, if temperatures continue to increase corn production could take a hit. The US is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn and since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine more and more countries have started looking to the US for supply. With the US having a large crop in 2021-22, there were no worries about a shortage this season. However, if US corn production does take a hit this could reduce global supply and importing countries would have to turn to other origins.
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