USDA Updates 2025 Corn and Cotton Forecasts as Farmers Seek Profitable Options
As USDA’s Ag Statistics Service works to catch up after the recent federal shutdown, farmers across the country continue searching for commodities that will generate profit next season—a task becoming increasingly difficult as markets tighten. The latest USDA updates on corn and cotton provide important insight into production trends that will shape the 2025 crop year.
Corn Production on Track for a Record Year
Despite economic uncertainty, corn remains one of the season’s strongest performers. USDA reports that farmers successfully harvested 90 million acres, meeting the targeted goal and reflecting an 8% increase from last year.
Corn production is forecast at 16.8 billion bushels, a 12% jump from last year. If realized, this would mark the highest grain production on record in the United States. Yield numbers are also encouraging: USDA now estimates an average yield of 186 bushels per acre, up 6.7 bushels from 2024.
Record-high corn yields are expected in several states, including:
- Georgia
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
These increases highlight strong growing conditions across multiple regions and signal a robust supply heading into next year.
Cotton Outlook: Production Slips, Prices Still Lag
While the corn sector surges, cotton producers continue to face challenges. USDA reports that upland cotton production is forecast at 13.7 million 480-pound bales, a 1% decrease from last year.
Upland cotton harvested area is estimated at 7.23 million acres, unchanged from previous projections but down 5% from last year, reflecting reduced planting due to weak market prices—prices that, according to current reports, still have not improved.
Nevertheless, some states achieved standout success this season. Record upland cotton production was reached in:
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
Producers Still Searching for a Profitable Crop
With corn achieving record production and cotton struggling under low prices, farmers are increasingly weighing their options for 2025. Input costs, commodity prices, and yield potential continue to influence planting decisions—making USDA’s updated forecasts more valuable than ever as growers assess their next steps.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.