USDA Announces Record High 2025 Corn Supply

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate  (WASDE) projecting a 17-billion-bushel corn supply in 2025-2026 marketing year, a level that would continue a downward trajectory.

If the projections are proven to be accurate, this year’s crop will be the largest on record. The oversupply is expected to keep corn prices low while farmers continue to struggle with high input costs.

“A crop of this size emphasizes the importance of growing demand for corn,” said Mark Bunselmeyer, Illinois farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President. “Without growth in both domestic use and global trade, excess supply will place continued downward pressure on commodity prices. Policies that expand ethanol consumption and open new export opportunities are essential to providing farmers with long-term market solutions.”

Future domestic demand for ethanol could come from high-octane legislation. Year round E15 policy would be a great first step. Next, setting a higher minimum octane standard nationwide, would empower retailers with more fuel options, provide drivers with better engine performance, and create a long-term demand for corn ethanol.

Ethanol is a vital export for Illinois corn farmers as 28 percent of the corn grown in Illinois goes into the ethanol market. Some of that ethanol is shipped to countries around the world looking for affordable, lower-carbon fuel options.  Record exports of ethanol in current market year September-October 2025/2026 are up 2.1 percent over September-October 2024/2025, according to U.S. Grains & Bioproducts Council.

IL Corn will continue advocating for policies that grow demand for corn and strengthen markets as farmers deal with the challenges of a continuing economic downturn.