Global coarse grains production is expected to increase for both the 2025/26 and 2026/27 marketing years, with corn driving most of the gains, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's June Feed Outlook report. The forecast comes as U.S. corn planting nears completion and domestic exports reach record levels, though drought conditions continue to threaten sorghum production in several states.
Worldwide production increases
The USDA raised its 2025/26 global coarse grains forecast by 15.5 million metric tons and its 2026/27 forecast by 5.8 million metric tons. Corn accounts for most of the increases, with 14 million metric tons added for 2025/26 and 5 million metric tons for 2026/27.
For 2025/26, corn production increases are attributed to India, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay due to expanded acreage and improved yields. These gains are partially offset by reduced corn production in Mexico, where yield expectations have been lowered. The 2026/27 corn production increase comes entirely from India, based on forecasts for increased harvested area.
Global barley production was raised for both marketing years, while millet production increased for 2025/26 and oats production rose for 2026/27. Sorghum production for 2025/26 was lowered 0.8 million metric tons, the only decrease across the coarse grains complex.
U.S. planting progress
U.S. corn planting is nearly complete, with 97 percent of the 2026/27 crop planted as of June 7, slightly ahead of last year and the 2021-25 average of 96 percent. The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service reported 86 percent of the crop had emerged by that date. Planted acreage remains forecast at 95.3 million acres.
For the week ending June 7, 67 percent of the corn crop was rated in good or excellent condition, slightly below last year's 71 percent. Ten southern states have already begun reaching the silking stage, with Louisiana at 65 percent, Texas at 55 percent and Georgia at 53 percent.
Record export projections
U.S. corn exports for 2025/26 were raised 25 million bushels to a forecasted record of 3.325 billion bushels, 16 percent above the current all-time high of 2.86 billion bushels set in 2024/25. From September 2025 through April 2026, U.S. corn exports totaled 2.24 billion bushels, up 24 percent from the same period last year.
South Korea showed the largest year-over-year increase, with exports up 96 million bushels to 229 million bushels. European Union exports increased 78 million bushels, driven by gains in Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Italy. Mexico accounted for about 30 percent of U.S. corn exports during the September-April period at 679 million bushels.
The forecast for corn used for ethanol was reduced 25 million bushels to 5.575 billion bushels. If realized, this would be the second-largest total on record behind 5.605 billion bushels in 2017/18.
Drought affects sorghum
U.S. sorghum planting reached 53 percent as of June 7, with Texas nearly complete and Kansas one-third complete. Drought conditions continue to affect sorghum-producing regions, with 60 percent of production area experiencing drought as of June 9, down from 73 percent the previous week but up from 19 percent last year.
Other grains
U.S. barley exports for 2025/26 were raised 1 million bushels to 10 million bushels based on strong year-to-date performance. Oats exports were increased 0.8 million bushels to 3.8 million bushels, which would be the highest total since 1992/93.
