Corn futures climbed past $5 a bushel for the first time in 18 months, driven by a weaker-than-expected U.S. crop tour. Bloomberg Terminal data from Western Iowa and Illinois showed yields falling short of last year’s levels, reinforcing concerns about tighter supply ahead.

These two states are the nation’s top corn producers. The tour also highlighted below‑average yields in four additional Midwestern states, all reporting outputs below the tour’s three‑year average. The data signals a potential shortfall in the 2026 crop, prompting traders to bid up prices.

Market participants now weigh the implications of lower output against historical forecasts, noting that a rise above $5 could set a new baseline for the season. The crop’s performance will be closely watched as harvest approaches.