USDA forecasts record-breaking corn yield

U.S. farmers remain on track to produce a record corn crop for the second straight year in 2014, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projections. The announcement impacts propane retailers who service farm customers for crop drying needs.

According to USDA, favorable early-season crop and weather conditions offset planting delays in May, and farmers are now expected to produce a record total corn crop of 13.9 billion bushels – slightly more than in 2013. USDA forecasts national average yields to be 6.5 bushels per acre higher than last year at 165.3 bushels per acre.

“While the crop outlook is robust, we approach it with cautious optimism,” says Martin Barbre, National Corn Growers Association president, in a press release. “All of us have seen conditions change quickly and a crop shift course in a few short weeks.”