The USDA forecasts a near-record corn production of almost 17 billion bushels across the nation, which experts believe might prevent farmers from achieving profit margins.

Greg Johnson from Total Grain Marketing in Champaign recently inspected the Central Illinois crops firsthand. He observed that this year’s corn ears are notably smaller, measuring roughly six inches instead of last year’s eight inches.

“Population stands are robust,” Johnson commented. “The yield includes a stalk for each ear, meaning there’s a large quantity of ears present. However, most are smaller rather than medium-sized. Therefore, I personally feel that the crop in Central Illinois might not be as substantial as the USDA’s estimates suggest.”

Johnson said right now corn is selling for less than $4 a bushel, which he said is typically the break-even point for farmers.