Southern Corn Yields to Take Hit from June Heat Stress

The first forecast of corn yields by the USDA is expected to be released on August 12, 2026, in the Crop Production report. However, most southern corn has already passed through its critical yield-determining period.

According to the Crop Progress and Condition Layers, the current condition ratings for the week ending July 26 show that most southern corn entered the second half of July in fair-to-good condition, with an average rating of 3.56 on a scale from very poor (1) to excellent (5).

The average masks a sharp divide between the mid-South and the Carolinas. While weather can still affect kernel weight and potential yield damage, much of the crop's yield potential has already been determined.