Corn
Price Chart
At a Glance
Corn is the most produced grain in the US and a critical feedstock for animal feed, ethanol production, and food ingredients. About 35% of the US corn crop goes to ethanol, linking corn prices to energy policy and gasoline demand. Prices are heavily influenced by Midwest weather during the pollination window (July), USDA acreage and yield estimates, and export competition from Brazil and Argentina.
Supply & Demand
Supply
Demand
Key Drivers
US Weather
neutralJuly pollination in the Corn Belt is the critical yield-determination period. Heat stress or drought can slash yields.
Ethanol Mandate
bullishThe US RFS mandates ~15B gallons of corn ethanol, creating inelastic demand for ~35% of the US crop.
Brazil Competition
bearishBrazil's second-crop (safrinha) corn has made it a major exporter, competing with US corn in global markets.
China Imports
bullishChina's corn import volumes have surged since 2020, adding significant demand to global markets.
Planted Acreage
neutralUSDA March Prospective Plantings report is key — corn competes with soybeans for US farmland.
Dollar Strength
bearishUS corn exports become less competitive when the dollar strengthens vs. Brazilian Real and Argentine Peso.
Historical Returns
| Year | Annual Return | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | -2.10% | |
| 2024 | -12.40% | |
| 2023 | -30.50% | |
| 2022 | +14.30% | |
| 2021 | +26.50% | |
| 2020 | +24.80% | |
| 2019 | +3.40% | |
| 2018 | +6.90% | |
| 2017 | -0.80% | |
| 2016 | -2.30% |