The U.S. feed grain supply reached a record 480.4 million metric tons following increases in corn and sorghum production, according to the United States Department of Agriculture's September Feed Outlook report released Monday.
Corn
Corn area harvested was raised by 1.356 million acres to 90 million acres, a 2% increase from previous estimates. Despite a slight yield reduction of 2.1 bushels per acre to 186.7 bushels, U.S. corn production increased by 72.7 million bushels.
"Elevated supplies, competitively priced grain, and still strong export sales provide support for a 100-million-bushel increase in 2025/26 corn exports," the report stated. U.S. corn exports are now projected at nearly 3 billion bushels.
The season-average farm price for corn remains unchanged at $3.90 per bushel, with cash bids at country elevators staying below $4.00 across much of the country.
Sorghum
Sorghum production was raised 10.74 million bushels to 402.24 million, nearly 17% above the 2024/25 output. Texas accounted for the largest gain with an additional 50,000 harvested acres. Four of the six major sorghum-producing states are projected to see year-over-year production increases.
Sorghum use for ethanol was raised 10 million bushels to 83 million for 2024/25, with expectations for continued strong use into the new marketing year.
Barley and oats
Barley exports were increased by 3 million bushels to 8 million, based on stronger-than-expected sales to Canada. No changes were made to the oats balance sheet, with season-average farm prices remaining at $3.10 per bushel for oats and $5.30 per bushel for barley.
Global outlook
Globally, coarse grain production was projected up 0.9 million metric tons to 1,573 million tons, as U.S. gains offset significant decreases in European production.
The European Union saw corn production fall by 2.7 million metric tons, with Romania's output dropping 1.6 million tons due to reduced area and a 17% yield decline. France's production fell by 0.5 million tons after August temperatures exceeded 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serbia's corn production was cut by 1.6 million tons following two consecutive years of unfavorable summer growing conditions. Russia's corn yield projections were also reduced due to prolonged dryness.
