U.S. Grains Council releases 2019/2020 Corn Export Cargo Quality Report

In Washington, D.C., the 2019/2020 U.S. corn crop faced many challenges, including late planting, delayed maturation and late harvests. Even with these challenges, data compiled in the U.S. Grains Council’s latest report indicate the majority of the crop – 71.2% of samples tested – still had a test weight at or above the limit for U.S. No. 1 grade corn, indicating good quality and demonstrating the resiliency and reliability of the United States as a global grain supplier.

“Despite often unfavorable growing conditions, U.S. corn, sampled at export elevators – the last point before being transferred to our international customers – met export grades for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS),” said Reece Cannady, USGC manager of global trade. “More than anything, these results demonstrate how the U.S. grain export system is able to meet contract specifications each and every year.”

“Corn quality information is vital to foreign buyers and other industry stakeholders as they make decisions about purchase contracts and processing needs for corn for feed, food or industrial use, especially during this uncertain time of COVID-19,” said Darren Armstrong, USGC chairman and farmer from North Carolina.

“This report – along with its companion, the Corn Harvest Quality Report – has always created value for stakeholders, but it is especially important in light of the global pandemic, and we hope it’s comforting to know that end-users can rely on the U.S. to supply a consistent and reputable product.”

The 2019/2020 Corn Export Quality Report is based on 404 export cargo samples collected from corn shipments undergoing federal inspection and grading processes at export terminals. It also provides information on grading, handling and how U.S. corn is moved and controlled through export channels.

Download the full report here.