Corn Growers Reflect Crop Pessimism

July 25, 2002

An overwhelming majority of delegates attending the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Corn Congress in Washington this week indicated extremely dry weather conditions in many areas of the country will have a serious impact on their corn crops. A total of 116, or 98%, of the 118 delegates responded to the informal NCGA survey.

When asked if, based on crop conditions and compared to 2001, corn production in their areas would be the same, up or down, 78% responded they expect to produce less corn. The average anticipated production decline was 78%.

Just 9% said they expected production to be up an average of 15%. Thirteen percent said they expected production in their areas this year to be about the same as last.

The results indicated that much drier conditions have had a significant impact on growing conditions, which 74% of the Corn Congress respondents said are worse in their areas. Sixteen percent said growing conditions are better, and 10% said they were about the same as in 2001.

Eighty-four percent reported the conditions are worse because of the extremely hot, dry weather. Nine percent said weather conditions were wetter, and 8% noted no significant change.

"These results are very distressing," said NCGA President Tim Hume, who said he has personally experienced the hottest, driest conditions in memory on his farm in Walsh, CO. "This informal NCGA survey is in line with news reports and USDA projections which paint a dim picture for corn growers - and agriculture in general - for 2002."