Farmers to plant 90.5 Million Acres of Corn

USDA released its ‘Prospective Planting’ report this morning announcing American farmers intend to plant 15% more acres of corn this year — 90.5 million in all.  Based on the historic upward trend in corn yields, 13 billion bushels of corn production this year is quite likely.

These numbers reflect what many in the ethanol industry had long known - farmers would respond to the market signals.  Last October, it became clear that more corn would be needed for all uses and today we learn that farmers have answered the call.  This level of production also helps put to rest (or at least it should) the sky-is-falling arguments about food v. fuel.  As efficiencies improve and new technologies are developed in ethanol production and other sectors of agriculture, we can continue to feed and fuel this country.

Upon hearing the USDA report, RFA President Bob Dinneen had this to say:  “The market is working.  Last fall, farmers received the signal that more corn for ethanol, livestock and other uses would be needed, and today we learn they are answering that call.  The continued trend of increasing corn yields together with improved efficiency and new technologies in ethanol production and other agricultural industries will mean that American farmers will continue to feed the world while renewably fueling our nation.”