the corn market

In 2008, U.S. corn farmers harvested 78.6 million acres of corn with an average yield of 154 bushels per acre. Combined statistics show production of 12.1 billion bushels of corn. Seed companies continue to develop hybrids and genetically modify varieties for increased yield potential, vigor, novel traits, resistance to disease, insects and other pests. Research partnerships of private, academia and the farming sector have enhanced the efficiency and production capacity of the corn industry.

Michigan Corn Production/Usage Statistics
According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, corn farmers in Michigan planted 2.4 million acres in 2008 and harvested approximately 2.1 million acres. The average yield was 138 bushels per acre, for a total crop of 295 million bushels.

Next to exporting corn, livestock feed is Michigan’s second largest corn usage, which breaks down further into various animal consumptions.

Corn Crop
Michigan is the second most agriculturally diverse state, behind California. Of Michigan’s primary crops in 2008, corn acreage made up 33 percent of the total acres harvested. Yield per acre has increased over 60 bushels in the last thirty years with a record yield of 147 bushels in 2006.