Southern Corn Crop Divide Shows Regional Impact on Yields

The Southern corn crop is showing a sharp regional divide in its conditions, according to recent data from USDA's Crop Progress and Condition Layers. The average condition rating for Southern corn was 3.56 out of 5, but this masks significant variations between different areas.

Conditions were near good in the Midsouth region, with Alabama averaging a 4.18 rating, while Tennessee and Arkansas had near-good ratings of 3.98 and 3.96 respectively. However, conditions worsened farther east, particularly in North Carolina, where the coastal plain saw some of the lowest ratings.

The Carolinas' corn yields are likely to be below trend due to the June heat and limited rainfall during silking, a critical period for yield determination. This could lead to increased demand for imported grain, stronger local basis, and higher delivered feed costs in these areas. In contrast, Midsouth producers appear to have a near-good crop with no comparable supply concerns.