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November 21, 2023
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provision applies for perishable commodities created by the Perishable … Perishable Agricultural
Commodity Act. 7 U.S.C. § 499e(c … by inflationary economic policies.
Many individual provisions …
August 1, 2018
Breakout Sessions
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September 19, 2017
Grain Market Outlook
at low prices for U.S. corn will continue to help maintain strong usage for
domestic U.S. ethanol and wet milling production, as well as livestock feeding through at least spring 2018.
Third, at least moderate continued strength is expected in U.S. corn exports due to low U.S. corn prices
and also to a moderate weakening of the U.S. dollar against other World currencies. Exports of U.S. corn are
expected to continue at a “decent” pace of 1.850 bb for “new crop” MY 2017/18 even though South American
corn production will continue to be a competitive factor in World trade through at least the end of 2017. Also,
preliminary forecasts for 2018 are that Brazilian corn acreage will be lower due to low prices and poor
profitability in 2017 – which may have a positive effect on U.S. corn exports and price prospects later in 2018.
Fourth, a continuing threat exists of U.S. and Foreign economic and/or financial system disruptions that
could impact grain, energy, and other commodity markets in 2017‐2018. World geo‐political events could
provide “shocks” to U.S. and World energy and grain markets which could in turn impact grain prices in either
direction depending on the circumstances and the countries involved and their role in global corn export trade.
4. USDA Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “New Crop” MY 2017/18
With the USDA’s continuing projection of 2017 U.S. corn plantings at 90.886 million acres or ‘ma’ (down
3.118 ma from 2016), harvested acres of 83.496 ma (down 3.252 ma), and projected yields of 169.9 bu/ac (vs
the record high of 174.6 in 2016), 2017 U.S. corn production is forecast to be 14.184 bb – down from the
record high of 15.148 bb in 2016.
The USDA forecast “new crop” MY 2017/18 total supplies to be 16.585 bb – down 355 mb from last year’s
record high. Total use is forecast at 14.250 bb – down 340 mb from last year’s record high. Ending stocks are
projected to be 2.235 bb (16.38% S/U) – down from 2.350 bb (16.11% S/U) in “old crop” MY 2016/17. United
States’ corn prices are projected to average $3.20 /bu (range of $2.80‐$3.60). This is down $0.15 /bu from the
midpoint estimate of $3.35 /bu from “old crop” MY 2016/17. This scenario is given a 60% likelihood of
occurring by KSU Extension Agricultural Economist D. O’Brien.
Page | 3
5. Alternative KSU Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “New Crop” MY 2017/18
Three alternative KSU‐Scenarios for U.S. corn supply‐demand and prices are presented for “new crop” MY
2017/18. Each forecast scenario presents the likelihood of lower U.S. corn acreage, yields and production than
projected by the USDA in the September 12, 2017 WASDE report for “new crop” MY 2017/18.
A ‐ KSU “New Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #1) “167.3 bu/ac – 13.930 bb” Scenario (35% probability) assumes:
90.753 ma planted, 83.261 ma harvested, 167.3 bu/ac trend yield, 13.930 bb production, 16.330 bb total
supplies, 14.215 bb total use, 2.115 bb ending stocks, 14.88% S/U, & $3.45 /bu U.S. corn average price;
B ‐ KSU “New Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #2) “164.0 bu/ac – 13.655 bb” Scenario (5% probability) assumes:
90.753 ma planted, 83.261 ma harvested, 164.0 bu/ac yield, 13.655 bb production, 16.055 bb total
supplies, 14.095 bb total use, 1.960 bb ending stocks, 13.91% S/U, & $3.60 /bu U.S. corn average price;
C ‐ KSU “New Crop” MY 2017/18 “Wildcard” Scenario #3) “167.3 bu/ac – 13.930 bb” Scenario (???% prob.)
assumes: 90.753 ma planted, 83.261 ma harvested, 167.3 bu/ac trend yield, 13.930 bb production, 16.330
bb total supplies, 13.935 bb total use, 2.395 bb ending stocks, 17.19% S/U, & $3.00 /bu U.S. corn average;
Note: even with moderate reductions in 2017 U.S. corn production as represented in the KSU Scenarios A, B
and C above, the presence of large beginning stocks of 2.350 bb in “new crop” MY 2017/18 limit the “tightness”
of corn supply‐demand balances, and hinders any upward price responses.
5. World Corn Supply‐Demand – With & Without China
World corn production of 1,032.6 million metric tons (mmt) is projected for “new crop” MY 2017/18, down
3.6% from the record high of 1,071.2 mmt in “old crop” MY 2016/17, but still up 6.5% from 969.6 mmt in MY
2015/16. Near record World corn total supplies of 1,259.6 mmt are projected for “new crop” MY 2017/18,
down marginally from the record high of 1,285.1 mmt in “old crop” MY 2016/17, but up from 1,179.2 mmt in
MY 2015/16.
World corn exports of a 150.6 mmt are projected for “new crop” MY 2017/18, down 8.9% from the record
high of 165.3 mmt in “old crop” MY 2016/17, and up 25.8% from 119.7 mmt in MY 2015/16. Projected World
corn ending stocks of 202.5 mmt (19.2% S/U) in “new crop” MY 2017/18 are down from the record high 227.0
mmt (21.4% S/U) in “old crop” MY 2016/17, and from 213.9 mmt (22.2% S/U) in MY 2015/16.
An alternative view of the World corn supply‐demand is presented if Chinese corn usage and ending stocks
are isolated from the World market. “World‐Less‐China” corn ending stocks are projected to be 121.2 mmt
(14.8% S/U) in “new crop” MY 2017/18, down from 125.7 mmt (15.2% S/U) in “old crop” MY 2016/17, but up
from 103.1 mmt (13.4% S/U). These figures show that World stocks‐to‐use of corn less China’s direct influence
are projected to be down approximately 23% (i.e., 14.8% S/U for the “World Less China” versus 19.2% S/U for
the “World” overall in “new crop” MY 2017/18).
At the same time, these figures also show that Chinese ending stocks of corn as proportion of the World
total are declining – down from 51.8% in MY 2015/16, to 44.6% in “old crop” MY 2016/17, and down to 40.1%
in “new crop” MY 2017/18. The deliberate actions in recent years ‐ taken by the Chinese government to
reduce feedgrain stockpiles – is impacting the relative amount of World total corn stocks they hold.
…
October 19, 2016
Grain Market Outlook
domestic U.S. ethanol production and livestock feeding, 3) at least moderate strength in U.S. corn exports –
driven partly by a poor harvest and lack of exportable supplies in Brazil in 2016 as well as other World corn
market factors, and 4) the always present possibility of broader U.S. and Foreign economic and/or financial
system disruptions impacting grain, energy, and other commodity markets in later 2016 an …
Breakout Sessions
classes in
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Price risk in commodity markets
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December 28, 2017
Grain Market Outlook
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I. U.S. Grain Sorghum Market Situation and Outlook
I‐a. December 12th USDA Crop Production & WASDE Reports
On December 12th the USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) released its December 2017
World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report – containing U.S. and World grain sorghum
supply‐demand and price projections for the 2015/16, “old crop” 2016/17, and “new crop” 2017/18 marketing
years (MY). The “new crop” MY 2017/18 for U.S. corn began on September 1, 2017 and will last through
August 31, 2018. Monthly USDA WASDE estimates of U.S. crop and livestock supply‐demand and prices can
be found at the following web address: https://www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde/
On the same day …
August 1, 2019
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http://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program)
Commodity PLC ARC‐CO ARC‐ICBARLEY … Reserved8/21/2019
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March 15, 2018
Grain Market Outlook
to date, b) expectations of significantly
tighter foreign stocks and percent (%) stocks‐to‐use for corn, and c) the eventual “using up” of competing
South American corn exports in spring 2018.
Current forecasts are for 2018 Brazilian corn production to be 94.5 million metric tons (mmt) in this
marketing year – versus 98.5 mmt last year ‐ with harvests lasting from February through May. However,
forecasts are for 2018 Argentina corn production to be 36.0 mmt in this marketing year – versus 41.0 mmt a
year ago ‐ with harvests lasting from March through May. The Argentina production figure is at risk to falling
further. To the degree that 2018 corn production in Argentina and southern Brazil is limited by crop weather
issues, there will likely be subsequent support U.S. corn export prospects.
Fourth, a continuing threat exists of U.S. and Foreign economic and/or financial system disruptions that
could impact grain, energy, and other commodity markets in 2018. World geo‐political events could provide
“shocks” to U.S. and World energy and grain markets which could in turn impact grain prices in either direction
depending on the circumstances, the countries involved, and their role in global corn export trade.
4. USDA Supply‐Demand & Price Forecasts
In the March 8th WASDE report, the USDA left unchanged its projections of a) 2017 U.S. corn production of
14.604 bb – down from the record high of 15.148 bb in 2016, and b) “old crop” MY 2017/18 total supplies of
16.947 bb – up marginally from a year earlier. Total use is forecast at 14.820 bb – raised 225 mb from the
February WASDE on prospects for a) higher ethanol use of 5.575 bb (raised 50 mb), and b) higher exports of
2.225 bb (raised 175 mb). Ending stocks are projected to be a 2.127 bb (14.35% Stocks/Use) – down 225 mb
from February, and down from 2.293 bb (15.65% S/U) in MY 2016/17. United States’ corn prices are projected
to average $3.35 /bu (range of $3.15‐$3.55). This is down $0.01 /bu from $3.36 /bu from MY 2016/17.
At the Agricultural Outlook Forum in Arlington, Virginia on February 23, 2018, the USDA forecast that a)
2018 U.S. corn production would be 14.390 bb – based on 90.0 million acres (ma) planted, 82.7 ma harvested,
and a yield of 174.0 bu. Total use is forecast at 14.520 bb – with projections of ethanol use at 5.650 bb (a
record high), non‐ethanol food seed and industrial use at 1.495 bb (also a record high), exports of 1.900 bb
(down 325 mb from the current marketing year), and feed and residual use of 5.475 mb (down 75 mb from this
year). After a KSU‐adjustment for lower beginning stocks based on the March 8th WASDE report, ending stocks
are projected to be a 2.047 bb (14.10% Stocks/Use) – with both being down moderately from “old crop” MY
2017/18 levels. United States’ corn prices are projected to average a KSU‐adjusted $3.45 /bu (up $0.05‐$0.10
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from this year). It is probable that the export projection for “new crop” MY 2018/19 may be raised in coming
months due to South American production problems – causing these ending stocks and % stocks‐to‐use
estimates to tighten further. This scenario is given a 50% likelihood of occurring by KSU Extension
Agricultural Economist D. O’Brien.
5. Alternative KSU Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “New Crop” MY 2018/19
Two alternative KSU‐Scenarios for U.S. corn supply‐demand and prices are presented for “new crop” MY
2018/19. These projections are to show how varying 2018 U.S. corn production outcomes could affect U.S.
corn supply‐demand and price outcomes in “new crop” MY 2018/19.
A ‐ KSU “Higher 2018 U.S. Corn Production” Scenario for “new crop” MY 2018/19: (25% probability):
Assumptions are as follows: 90.000 ma planted, 82.700 ma harvested, 176.6 bu/ac record yield (equal to
2017 record high), 14.605 bb production, 16.782 bb total supplies, 14.600 bb total use, 2.182 bb ending
stocks, 14.95% S/U, & $3.30 /bu U.S. corn average price;
B ‐ KSU “Lower 2018 U.S. Corn Production” Scenario for “new crop” MY 2018/19: (25% probability):
Assumptions are as follows: 90.000 ma planted, 82.700 ma harvested, 164.4 bu/ac yield (equal to 2009
yield), 13.596 bb production, 15.773 bb total supplies, 14.315 bb total use, 1.458 bb ending stocks, 10.19%
S/U, & $4.20 /bu U.S. corn average price;
6. World Corn Supply‐Demand – With & Without China
World corn production of 1,041.7 million metric tons (mmt) is projected for “old crop” MY 2017/18, down
3.1% from the record of 1,075.2 mmt in MY 2016/17, but still up 7.0% from 973.45 mmt in MY 2015/16. World
corn total supplies of 1,273.6 mmt in “old crop” MY 2017/18 are forecast to be down moderately from the
record high 1,290.2 mmt in MY 2016/17, but up from 1,183.2 mmt in MY 2015/16.
World corn exports of a 155.9 mmt are projected for “old crop” MY 2017/18, down 2.4% from the record
high of 159.8 mmt in MY 2016/17, and up 30.2% from 119.7 mmt in MY 2015/16. Projected World corn ending
stocks of 199.2 mmt (18.5% S/U) in “old crop” MY 2017/18 are down from the record high 231.9 mmt (21.9%
S/U) in MY 2016/17, and from 215.0 mmt (22.2% S/U) in MY 2015/16. Projected Foreign (Non‐U.S.) corn
ending stocks of 145.1 mmt (17.0% S/U) in “old crop” MY 2017/18 are down from 173.6 mmt (21.9% S/U) in
MY 2016/17, and from 170.9 mmt (23.1% S/U) in MY 2015/16.
An alternative view of the World corn supply‐demand is presented if Chinese corn usage and ending stocks
are isolated from the World market. “World‐Less‐China” corn ending stocks are projected to be 119.6 mmt
(14.35% S/U) in “old crop” MY 2017/18, down from 131.1 mmt (15.9% S/U) in MY 2016/17, but up from 104.2
mmt (13.9% S/U) in MY 2015/16. These figures show that World stocks‐to‐use of corn less China’s direct
influence are projected to be approximately 22% lower (i.e., 14.35% S/U for the “World‐Less‐China” versus
18.5% S/U for the “World” overall in “old crop” MY 2017/18).
At the same time, these figures also show that Chinese ending stocks of corn as proportion of the World
total are declining – down from 51.5% in MY 2015/16, to 43.4% in MY 2016/17, and down to 39.9% in “old
crop” MY 2017/18. The deliberate actions in recent years ‐ taken by the Chinese government to reduce
feedgrain stockpiles – is impacting the relative amount of World total corn stocks they hold. These actions
may eventual increase Chinese import demand for U.S. corn and grain sorghum.
…
May 19, 2017
Grain Market Outlook
ter fall harvest and
likely has been held for sale through the winter into at least early‐spring and some into summer 2017. Second,
anticipation of continued strong use of 2016 crop U.S. corn for domestic U.S. ethanol production and livestock
feeding through spring‐summer 2017. Third, at least moderate continued strength in U.S. corn exports – at
least until what is forecast to be a sizable 2nd crop of corn from South America becomes available on global
markets during Summer 2017. And fourth, the always present possibility of broader U.S. and Foreign
economic and/or financial system disruptions that could impact grain, energy, and other commodity markets
in 2017. World geo‐political events have the potential to provide “shocks” to U.S. and World energy and grain
markets – with the impact on the direction of U.S. and World corn markets being difficult to anticipate
depending on which countries may be involved and their role in global corn export trade.
Page | 2
USDA Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “Next Crop” MY 2017/18
Early USDA projections are for 2017 U.S. corn plantings of 89.996 million acres or ‘ma’ (down 4.0 ma).
Harvested acres of approximately 82.4 ma (down 4.35 ma) are forecast, with projected yields of 170.7 bu/ac
(vs the record high of 174.6 in 2016), leading to a 2017 U.S. corn production is forecast of 14.065 bb – down
from the record high of 15.148 bb in 2016.
The USDA forecast “next crop” MY 2017/18 total supplies to be 16.410 bb – down 530 mb from last year’s
record high. Total use is forecast at 14.300 bb – down 345 mb from last year’s record high. Ending stocks are
projected to be 2.110 bb (14.76% S/U) – down from 2.295 bb (15.67% S/U) in “current” MY 2016/17. United
States’ corn prices are projected to average $3.40 /bu (range of $3.00‐$3.80). This equals the midpoint
estimate of $3.40 /bu from “current” MY 2016/17. This scenario is given a 45% likelihood of occurring by KSU
Extension Ag Economist D. O’Brien.
Alternative KSU Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “Next Crop” MY 2017/18
Three alternative KSU‐Scenarios for U.S. corn supply‐demand and prices are presented for “next crop” MY
2017/18. Each forecast scenario presents the likelihood of lower U.S. corn acreage, yields and production than
projected by the USDA in the May 10, 2017 WASDE report for “next crop” MY 2017/18.
KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #1) “167.3 bu/ac – 13.556 bb” Scenario (25% probability) assumes:
88.500 ma planted, 81.031 ma harvested, 167.3 bu/ac trend yield, 13.556 bb production, 15.901 bb total
supplies, 14.255 bb total use, 1.646 bb ending stocks, 11.55% S/U, & $3.95 /bu U.S. corn average price for
“next crop” MY 2017/18;
KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #2) “165.0 bu/ac – 13.370 bb” Scenario (15% probability) assumes:
88.500 ma planted, 81.031 ma harvested, 165.0 bu/ac yield, 13.370 bb production, 15.715 bb total supplies,
14.155 bb total use, 1.560 bb ending stocks, 11.02% S/U, & $4.10 /bu U.S. corn average price for “next crop”
MY 2017/18;
KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #3) “150.0 bu/ac – 12.155 bb” Scenario (5% probability) assumes:
88.500 ma planted, 80.535 ma harvested, 150.0 bu/ac yield, 12.080 bb production, 14.375 bb total supplies,
13.460 bb total use, 915 million bushels (mb) ending stocks, 6.80% S/U, & $6.00 /bu U.S. corn average price for
“next crop” MY 2017/18;
World Corn Supply‐Demand: World corn production of 1,033.7 million metric tons (mmt) is projected for
“next crop” MY 2017/18, down 3.0% from the record high of 1,065.1 mmt in “current” MY 2016/17, but still up
6.8% from 968.1 mmt in MY 2015/16. Near record World corn total supplies of 1,257.6 mmt are projected for
“next crop” MY 2017/18, down marginally from the record high of 1,278.1 mmt in “current” MY 2016/17, but
up from 1,177.5 mmt in MY 2015/16.
World corn exports of a near record 151.9 mmt are projected for “next crop” MY 2017/18, down 4.2% from
the record high of 158.6 mmt in MY 2015/16, and up 26.6% from 119.95 mmt in MY 2015/16. Projected World
corn ending stocks of 195.3 mmt (18.4% S/U) in “next crop” MY 2017/18 are down from the record high 223.9
mmt (21.3% S/U) in “current” MY 2016/17, and from 212.4 mmt (22.0% S/U) in MY 2015/16.
Strong World demand for corn at low prices is expected to continue – especially in the United States,
Argentina, Mexico, Southeast Asia, China, Ukraine, and other Former Soviet Union countries (less Ukraine).
An ongoing, strong demand base for corn could help cause sharply increased corn market volatility in the
summer of 2017 IF any serious threats emerge to the 2017 U.S. corn crop.
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I. U.S. Corn Market Situation and Outlook
May 10th USDA Crop Production & WASDE Reports
On May 10th the USDA World Agricultural Outlook Board (WAOB) released its May 2017 World
Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report – containing U.S. and World corn supply‐demand
and price projections for the 2015/16, “current” 2015/16, and “next crop” 2017/18 marketing years (MY) for
corn. The “next crop” MY 2017/18 for U.S. corn will begin on September 1, 2017 and will last through August
31, 2018. Earlier, on March 31st, the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
(https://www.nass.usda.gov/) had released it’s Prospective Plantings (http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/ProsPlan/ProsPlan‐
03‐31‐2017.pdf) and Grain Stocks (http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/usda/current/GraiStoc/GraiStoc‐03‐31‐2017.pdf) reports. Planted
acreage estimates from the Prospective Plantings report were used by the USDA WAOB to develop the May
10th projection of 2017 U.S. corn production in the WASDE report. The grain stocks estimates released on
March 31st were used to calculate U.S. corn livestock feed and residual usage in “current” MY 2016/17.
Following its normal procedures, the next supply‐demand and price forecasts for “next crop” 2017/18
from the USDA will be released in the June 9, 2017 USDA WASDE report.
CME JULY 2017 & DECEMBER 2017 Corn Futures Trends
JULY 2017 CME Corn Futures
Following a low of $3.40 ¼ on August 31, 2016, JULY 2017 Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) corn
futures prices trended up to a high of $3.81 ¾ on October 20, 2016 (Figure 1). Following that high, JULY 2017
corn futures prices declined to a low of $3.57 ¼ on December 1, 2016, before moving to an eventual high of
$3.93 ¾ on February 16, 2017. Since then, JULY 2017 corn futures traded in the range from lows $3.61 ¾ on
March 27th and $3.60 ¾ on April 21st to highs of $3.79 ¼ on April 3rd, $3.79 ¼ on April 13th, and $3.79 on May
1st, before closing at $3.71 ½ on May 17, 2017.
DECEMBER 2017 CME Corn Futures
In a similar trading pattern to JULY 2017 corn futures, following a low of $3.58 1/2 on August 31, 2016,
DECEMBER 2017 Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) corn futures prices trended up to a high of $3.95 ¼ on
October 20, 2016 (Figure 1). Following that high, DECEMBER 2017 corn futures prices declined to lows of
$3.74 ¼ on November 15th and $3.74 ½ on December 1, 2016, before moving to an eventual high of $4.03 ¾ on
February 16, 2017 and $4.04 on February 28th. Since then, DECEMBER 2017 corn futures traded in the range
from lows $3.78 ¼ on March 27th and $3.79 ¼ on April 21st to highs of $3.95 on April 3rd, $3.95 ¾ on April 13th,
and $3.95 ¾ on May 1st, before closing at $3.89 on May 17, 2017.
CME Corn Futures 2017 Contract Spreads
The total futures carrying charge or “term spread” between JULY 2017 and SEPTEMBER 2017 corn futures
on Wednesday, May 17th was $0.07 ¾ per bushel (i.e., $3.79 ¼ for SEPTEMBER 2017 Corn less $3.71 ½ for JULY
2017 Corn), or $0.03875 per bushel per month. This compares to commercial grain storage charges in Kansas
Page | 4
grain elevators in the range of $0.04 to $0.05 per bushel per month – before accounting for interest or
additional handling costs or other discounts.
Figure 1. JULY 2017 & DECEMBER 2017 CME Daily Corn Futures Price Charts (as of May 17, 2017)
ne …
July 17, 2017
Grain Market Outlook
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predominates in local Kansas grain markets, it is a positive market signal that Kansas cash corn prices have
enough support to have avoided falling down to USDA loan rate levels.
Major Corn Market Considerations
First, large beginning stocks of U.S. corn coming into “next crop” MY 2017/18 have been a “mitigating” or
“limiting” factor affecting the response of the corn market to 2017 production risk. The corn market is less
anxious about having adequate corn supplies in the face of 2017 U.S. corn production risk when beginning
stocks are 2.370 bb rather than 1.000 bb. Second, it is anticipated that moderately low prices of U.S. corn will
help maintain strong usage for domestic U.S. ethanol and wet milling production, as well as livestock feeding
through at least summer‐fall 2017.
Third, at least moderate continued strength is expected in U.S. corn exports due to moderately low U.S. corn
prices. Exports of U.S. corn are expected to continue at a “decent” pace” even though South American corn
production will continue to be a competitive factor in World trade through at least the end of 2017. Fourth,
the possibility exists of broader U.S. and Foreign economic and/or financial system disruptions that could
impact grain, energy, and other commodity markets in 2017‐2018. World geo‐political events have the
potential to provide “shocks” to U.S. and World energy and grain markets. However, the impact on the
direction of U.S. and World corn markets of such disruptive events are difficult to anticipate – depending on
which countries may be involved and their role in global corn export trade.
USDA Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “Next Crop” MY 2017/18
The USDA has projected 2017 U.S. corn plantings to be 90.886 million acres or ‘ma’ (down 3.118 ma from
2016). Harvested acres in 2017 are forecast at 83.496 ma (down 3.252 ma), with projected yields of 170.7
bu/ac (vs the record high of 174.6 in 2016). This leads to a USDA 2017 U.S. corn production forecast of 14.255
bb – down from the record high of 15.148 bb in 2016.
The USDA forecast “next crop” MY 2017/18 total supplies to be 16.675 bb – down 265 mb from last year’s
record high. Total use is forecast at 14.350 bb – down 220 mb from last year’s record high. Ending stocks are
projected to be 2.325 bb (16.20% S/U) – down from 2.370 bb (16.27% S/U) in “current” MY 2016/17. United
States’ corn prices are projected to average $3.30 /bu (range of $2.90‐$3.70). This is down $0.05 /bu from the
midpoint estimate of $3.30 /bu from “current” MY 2016/17. This scenario is given a 45% likelihood of
occurring by KSU Extension Agricultural Economist D. O’Brien.
Alternative KSU Supply‐Demand & Price Forecast for “Next Crop” MY 2017/18
Four alternative KSU‐Scenarios for U.S. corn supply‐demand and prices are presented for “next crop” MY
2017/18. Each forecast scenario presents the likelihood of lower U.S. corn acreage, yields and production than
projected by the USDA in the July 12, 2017 WASDE report for “next crop” MY 2017/18.
A ‐ KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #1) “167.3 bu/ac – 13.815 bb” Scenario (25% probability) assumes:
89.886 ma planted, 82.577 ma harvested, 167.3 bu/ac trend yield, 13.815 bb production, 16.235 bb total
supplies, 14.245 bb total use, 1.990 bb ending stocks, 13.97% S/U, & $3.55 /bu U.S. corn average price for
“next crop” MY 2017/18;
B ‐ KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #2) “165.0 bu/ac – 13.652 bb” Scenario (20% probability) assumes:
89.886 ma planted, 82.577 ma harvested, 165.0 bu/ac yield, 13.625 bb production, 16.045 bb total supplies,
14.120 bb total use, 1.925 bb ending stocks, 16.63% S/U, & $3.60 /bu U.S. corn average price for “next crop”
MY 2017/18;
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C ‐ KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #3) “160.0 bu/ac – 13.212 bb” Scenario (5% probability) assumes:
89.886 ma planted, 82.577 ma harvested, 160.0 bu/ac yield, 13.212 bb production, 15.632 bb total supplies,
13.920 bb total use, 1.712 bb ending stocks, 12.30% S/U, & $3.80 /bu U.S. corn average price for “next crop”
MY 2017/18;
D ‐ KSU “Next Crop” MY 2017/18 Scenario #4) “150.0 bu/ac – 12.387 bb” Scenario (5% probability) assumes:
89.886 ma planted, 82.577 ma harvested, 150.0 bu/ac yield, 12.387 bb production, 14.807 bb total supplies,
13.400 bb total use, 1.407 bb ending stocks, 10.50% S/U, & $4.20 /bu U.S. corn average price for “next crop”
MY 2017/18;
Note: even with significant reductions in 2017 U.S. corn production as represented in KSU Scenarios C and D
above, the presence of large beginning stocks of 2.370 bb in “next crop” MY 2017/18 limit the “tightness” of
corn supplies, and lowers price prospects.
World Corn Supply‐Demand – With & Without China
World corn production of 1,036.9 million metric tons (mmt) is projected for “next crop” MY 2017/18, down
3.0% from the record high of 1,068.8 mmt in “current” MY 2016/17, but still up 7.0% from 968.8 mmt in MY
2015/16. Near record World corn total supplies of 1,264.4 mmt are projected for “next crop” MY 2017/18,
down marginally from the record high of 1,281.6 mmt in “current” MY 2016/17, but up from 1,178.4 mmt in
MY 2015/16.
World corn exports of a near record 152.5 mmt are projected for “next crop” MY 2017/18, down 4.6% from
the record high of 159.7 mmt in MY 2015/16, and up 27.5% from 119.6 mmt in MY 2015/16. Projected World
corn ending stocks of 200.8 mmt (18.9% S/U) in “next crop” MY 2017/18 are down from the record high 227.5
mmt (21.6% S/U) in “current” MY 2016/17, and from 212.8 mmt (22.0% S/U) in MY 2015/16.
An alternative view of the World corn supply‐demand is presented if Chinese corn usage and ending stocks are
isolated from the World market. “World Less China” corn ending stocks are projected to be 119.5 mmt (14.5%
S/U and 40.5% of World corn stocks) in “next crop” MY 2017/18, down from 126.2 mmt (15.4% S/U and 44.5%
of World stocks) in “current” MY 2016/17, but up from 102.0 mmt (13.6% S/U and 52.1% of World Stocks).
These figures show that World stocks of corn less China’s direct influence are projected to be down
approximately 23% (i.e., 14.5% S/U for the “World Less China” versus 18.9% S/U for the “World” overall in
“next crop” MY 2017/18).
These figures also show that Chinese ending stocks of corn as proportion of the World overall is declining –
down from 52.1% in MY 2015/16 to 44.5% in “current” MY 2016/17, and down to 40.5% in “next crop” MY
2017/18. The deliberate actions taken by the Chinese government in recent years to reduce feedgrain
stockpiles is impacting the relative amount of corn stocks they hold in the World corn market.
…