Nebraska Corn Board: 2005 crop set new standards for quality

Nebraska

Nebraska corn producers established new standards for quality in 2005, according to a new report from the Nebraska Corn Board.

The 2005-06 Nebraska Corn Quality Report shows 97% of the 2005 Corn Quality Study samples graded #1 in 2005, compared to 92.3% in 2004 and 84.2% in 2003. The average of corn grading #1 throughout the history of the study, which began in 1991, is 73.3%.

The average test weight in the 2005 survey is 59.7 pounds per bushel, an improvement over both the 2004 average of 58.7 and the 2003 average of 57.8 pounds per bushel. The historical average, since 1991, was 57.8 pounds per bushel. Aflatoxin was not a problem, with no samples testing positive for aflatoxin in 2005.

"Without a doubt, it was the highest quality corn crop we have ever seen," said Randy Klein, director of market development for the Nebraska Corn Board. "And in terms of quantity, we had the second-largest crop on record, at 1.27 billion bushels. Once again, Nebraska's corn producers proved they are the best in the world at what they do."

The results of the Nebraska Corn Quality Study are shared with corn buyers around the world. The Corn Quality Report is published in English, Spanish and Japanese, and is distributed to trade teams that visit the state, as well as to domestic and international grain purchasers. Copies of the 2005-2006 report can be obtained by contacting the Nebraska Corn Board at 1-800-NECORN-1 (1-800-632-6761). It is also available for download at www.nebraskacorn.org under the "Publications" tab.

Klein says the high quality of the 2005 corn crop will only enhance Nebraska's strong reputation with domestic and foreign buyers. "In an extremely competitive market, that's a good reputation to have."

The nine-member Nebraska Corn Board collects and disburses the funds generated by the 1/4 of a cent per bushel corn checkoff. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education.

Date:1/25/06