The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today projects U.S. corn production at a record 13.2 billion bushels, up from 12.9 billion bushels projected in USDA’s December forecast, and 1% above the previous record of 13.0 billion bushels set in 2007.

Farmers produced the largest corn crop ever despite poor planting conditions, a cool and wet growing season and harsh harvesting conditions that still include corn standing in fields.

USDA’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates places U.S. corn yield at an estimated record 165.2 bu. per acre in 2009, up 2.3 bu. from the December forecast and 4.9 bu. above the previous record of 160.3 bu. per acre set in 2004.

Continued application of scientifically proven biotechnology by life science companies will help bolster corn yields, firming up the need to continue pursuing new markets for U.S. coarse grains, says Rebecca Fecitt, U.S. Grains Council director of biotechnology programs.

“We hope to see this upward trend in yields for U.S. corn continue. As science becomes even more sophisticated, it will help increase and maintain our yields. This will be instrumental in feeding the world’s forecasted 9.1 billion people by 2050,” says Fecitt. “The growing population, especially in developing countries, will demand more meat, milk and eggs as incomes continue to increase. We have to maintain our biotechnology education efforts in order to ensure that grain derived from biotechnology is accepted around the world.”

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