October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run ScanOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

Why March Corn Closed at a Six-Month High on Jan. 10, 2025

March corn futures closed at $4.70½ per bushel on Jan. 10, 2025, up 14½ cents. The rally followed USDA estimates that market reporting described as tighter than expected.
From TheFinanceBase Team2 min to read
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

March corn futures settled at $4.70½ per bushel on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, up 14½ cents on the day. Successful Farming characterized the settlement as the contract’s highest daily close in more than six months. The move came as traders assessed new USDA crop and supply estimates, which a contemporaneous market report said were tighter than expected.

What March corn did on Jan. 10, 2025

The March 2025 corn futures contract closed at $4.70½ per bushel, a daily gain of 14½ cents, according to Successful Farming and a separate University of Illinois Extension closing-market report. Successful Farming described it as the highest daily close in more than six months. That phrase refers to the March contract’s close; the report did not identify the exact earlier comparison date.

Why prices rose that day

The rally coincided with the USDA’s Jan. 10 crop and supply reports. Successful Farming reported that corn yield and production estimates were below average trade expectations and that the January WASDE report lowered projected 2024/25 corn ending stocks by more than traders expected.

Naomi Blohm, senior market adviser at Total Farm Marketing, told Successful Farming: “Lower-than-expected yield and production [estimates] for corn and soybeans sent futures prices soaring.” This is an analyst’s interpretation of the move, not an official USDA statement or proof that one report alone caused the price increase.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
HOME GROWN Golden Bantam Sweet Corn Seeds, 200+ Seeds, Zea mays
  • GROW THE SWEETEST, MOST TENDER HEIRLOOM CORN - Each packet contains 100 seeds of Golden Bantam corn (Zea mays). This cherished variety is known for its exceptional flavor and reliable harvests. Perfect for home gardeners seeking authentic, time-tested varieties.
  • SWEET CORN SEEDS FOR BEGINNERS & PROS. These vegetable seeds for planting outdoors are ideal for all skill levels. Hardy and adaptable, they thrive in full sun and a variety of soils. With low-maintenance care, enjoy growing your own corn seeds from a trusted heirloom variety loved for its sweet, tender kernels.
  • PERFECT FOR MOST REGIONS – COOL CLIMATE FRIENDLY. Designed to grow in USDA zones 3-11, these corn seeds are resilient and adapt to temperatures from 65°F to 95°F. Direct sow seeds outdoors for best results—no transplanting needed. Your garden will be filled with tall, healthy stalks reaching up to 6 feet.
  • MATURES EARLY FOR QUICK HARVESTS. Enjoy a bountiful crop in just 75-80 days. Each Golden Bantam stalk produces 1-2 ears of corn with 8-12 kernel rows. Perfect for backyard gardens or homesteads, it’s a reliable, fast-growing option to maximize your gardening efforts.
  • VERSATILE CULINARY USES – FRESH OR PRESERVED. Grill, boil, or add to recipes like chowder, cornbread, and salsa. These sweet corn seeds yield kernels that freeze, can, or dry well, letting you enjoy homegrown corn all year round. A perfect addition for both fresh meals and long-term storage.

In the University of Illinois Extension interview, market analyst Mike Zuzolo discussed 1.54 billion bushels of corn carryover and a 3.8-bushel-per-acre reduction in the USDA corn yield estimate. Those figures are attributed to his contemporaneous account; they should not be confused with a separate verification of USDA report tables.

What the futures close means—and what it does not

It is a contract price, not a universal cash price

The quote applies to the March corn futures contract and is expressed per bushel. It does not mean every farmer received $4.70½ for corn sold locally. Cash bids vary by place and time and reflect local basis as well as the futures market. USDA Economic Research Service documents a season-average corn price forecasting method that combines nearby futures settlements with basis and marketing data.

Rank #2
4 Corn Seeds Variety Pack - 200+ Heirloom Corn Seeds for Planting Outdoor, Includes Sweet Corn, Golden Bantam,Silver Queen & Glass Gem Corn, Perfect Home Garden Gift for Beginners, Mom, Her
  • 🌱 4 PREMIUM VARIETIES & 200+ SEEDS - HEIRLOOM: Begin your abundant harvest with over 200 seeds from 4 cherished corn varieties. This assortment features beloved types like Cream Sweet Corn, Golden Bantam Corn, Silver Queen Sweet Corn, and the stunning Glass Gem Corn. Every seed is rigorously germination-tested to ensure your family enjoys a successful and rewarding growing cycle.
  • 🥦 GROW FRESH & FLAVORFUL - GARDEN FAVORITES: Enjoy homegrown sweetness and color right from your backyard! Chosen for their reliability and superb taste, these 4 varieties are perfect for both new and experienced gardeners. Pick your own sweet corn for the table or spectacular ornamental corn for decoration.
  • 🌽 VERSATILE CULINARY USES – FRESH OR PRESERVED: Barbecue, boil, roast, or incorporate into favorites like corn chowder, salads, salsas, and homemade cornbread. These sweet and ornamental corn varieties produce ears that can be frozen, canned, or dried with ease, allowing you to savor the taste of homegrown corn through every cycle. A perfect choice for both daily meals and lasting pantry storage.
  • 🌱 DISEASE-RESISTANT & EASY TO GROW: Chosen for strong performance in diverse conditions, these varieties show good tolerance to common corn ailments such as leaf blight and rust. While occasional pests like corn earworm may require attention, their overall hardiness and low-maintenance nature make them a reliable, hassle-free option for gardeners of all levels.
  • 🎁 THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY GROWER: Beautifully packaged and ready to give! This kit is a thoughtful and unique present for any occasion—an ideal gift for mothers, friends, family, or anyone who loves gardening, homegrown flavors, and sustainable living. Give the joy of a bountiful and rewarding gardening journey.

Close and settlement are related terms, but not identical

Market reports sometimes use “close” and “settlement” similarly. The CFTC explains that a futures settlement price is computed from closing prices and is used by the clearing house; the closing trade period and settlement calculation are distinct. CME Group says daily settlements reflect market value during the settlement period and support daily mark-to-market, price discovery, and risk management.

The CFTC’s educational material gives the CBOT corn futures contract size as 5,000 bushels. That contract specification helps explain the market instrument, but it does not change the per-bushel quote reported for Jan. 10.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
SVI 80 Golden Bantam Sweet Corn Seeds (Zea mays) – Yellow Sweet Corn Seed Packets Non GMO – Fast Growing Heirloom Vegetable Seeds, Outdoor Vegetable Garden & Home Garden
  • Heirloom Sweet Corn Flavor: Golden Bantam sweet corn seeds produce 6–7" ears with golden-yellow kernels in 75–80 days. Ideal vegetable garden seeds in home garden beds.
  • Non GMO Corn Seeds: Open-pollinated heirloom corn seed with reliable 7–14 day germination. Great sweet corn seeds for planting bulk in outdoor vegetable garden.
  • Strong Upright Corn Plant: Amazon corn sweet grows 5–6 ft tall with 1–2 ears per stalk. Plant corn seed 1" deep, space gardening seeds 6" apart for healthy corn plant live, making corn fresh or sweet corn frozen, a delightful addition to any garden or dinner plate.
  • Fast Growing Yellow Corn: Early Golden Bantam corn seeds mature quickly in main season. These vegetable plants & seeds require full sun and consistent moisture for premium sweet yellow corn harvest. Perfect vegetable seeds for planting outdoors.
  • Perfect for Home Garden: Heirloom corn seeds for planting home garden perform best in blocks for pollination. Suitable heirloom seeds for Zones 3–10 and outdoor garden beds.
Rank #4
Wagner's 18542 Cracked Corn Wild Bird Food, 10-Pound Bag
  • Feed ground feeding birds and other backyard wildlife
  • Can be fed on its own or mixed with other seed
  • Enjoy that close to nature feeling that comes with feeding your own backyard wildlife
  • 10-Pound bag
  • Satisfaction guaranteed
Rank #3
Seed Needs Peaches and Cream Corn Seeds 230 Seeds 1.5 Ounce Bulk Pack
  • Hybrid Variety: Peaches & Cream Sweet Corn is a hybrid, sugary-enhanced (SE) bicolor variety known for its combination of yellow and white kernels, offering a dual flavor experience in each bite.
  • Early Maturity: This corn variety matures relatively early, with some sources indicating a harvest time around 80 to 90 days after planting, making it suitable for regions with shorter growing seasons.
  • Planting Tips: For optimal pollination and yield, plant in blocks rather than single rows, ensuring at least four rows for proper cross-pollination. Seeds should be planted when soil temperatures reach 60°F or above for good germination.
  • Flavor and Texture: Noted for its sweetness and tenderness, Peaches & Cream corn is praised for its fine texture and rich flavor, which can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, or cooked, making it versatile for various culinary uses.
  • Quality: All Sweet Corn seeds packaged by Seed Needs are intended for the current and the following growing seasons. All seeds are stored in a temperature controlled facility that is free of significant amounts of moisture.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.