USDA tightens corn data checks

The USDA is adding verification steps to its reporting process after a processing error skewed corn data for Kansas and Nebraska. The mistake affected plant counts, yields, and production estimates for the September reporting period.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service confirmed the error last month. Faith Parum of the Farm Bureau said the agency is reviewing its models to prevent similar issues. She noted that farmers rely on these reports for production and marketing decisions.

“USDA has looked back at the September and October reports to make sure there are no more changes in any parts of the report, and they have continued to make sure that they are updating their models to make sure that these errors don’t happen in the future,” Parum said.

The National Corn Growers Association called the error unacceptable. The group stated that recent report inaccuracies have cost corn farmers billions in market value as prices dropped. NCGA is demanding immediate changes to the reporting system.

NASS will introduce additional checks before publishing future reports. These steps are designed to verify data accuracy before the numbers reach the public.