US Corn Harvest at Risk as Extreme Weather Batters Midwest

Extreme weather in July has put the US corn harvest at risk ahead of the key USDA report, scheduled for release on Wednesday.

The combination of heat, drought, and flooding has increased production risks, particularly in the western Corn Belt states. According to the USDA crop condition data, Nebraska's corn crop fell to just 54% rated good-to-excellent, marking its second-lowest early August rating since 2012.

Analysts surveyed expect the USDA to lower its national average corn yield estimate from 183.0 bushels per acre to approximately 182.4 bushels, which would still represent the second-highest yield ever recorded.

The US remains the world's largest corn exporter, and any reduction in production could influence commodity prices, farm profitability, and international food supply chains.