The United States raises slightly more than half of the world's corn, with production concentrated in the upper Midwest. Other major producers include China, Brazil, and the European Community.

About 60 percent of the corn used in the United States each year is fed directly to animals, either as whole grain or in commercially prepared feeds where corn is a primary ingredient. Food, seed, and industrial products account for an additional 15%.

The remainder, averaging about one fourth of total usage, is exported to other countries. Japan is consistently one of the largest customers for U.S. corn. In contrast, the republics of the Commonwealth of Independent States (formerly the USSR) arc noted for making huge but irregular purchases. Other large buyers include South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, and Egypt.

Corn production in any given year is determined by two factors: acreage and yield. Corn is usually grown in the same areas as, and often competes for acreage with, soybeans. For this reason, the expected profitability of corn relative to other crops is often a major consideration in a farmer's planting decision. After corn has been planted and acreage has been established, the market focus generally shifts to the weather and other yield influencing factors until the crop has been harvested.