Corn cycle: understand each stage and the importance of this global commodity

The corn cycle is a key process for agriculture and for supplying production chains that go far beyond the countryside. Essential for human and animal food, it is also increasingly present in the production of energy and industrial inputs.

It is therefore easy to see that corn plays a strategic role in the global dynamics of supply and demand, especially in a scenario of high volatility and a growing need to manage financial risks.

In this article, you’ll understand: 

• The main stages of the corn production cycle;
• The differences between the summer crop and the off-season crop; 
• The main factors affecting crop performance; 
  
• How corn connects to different sectors of the economy; 
  
• And how it is possible to manage the risks associated with its production and marketing. 

Happy reading! 

Why is corn so important? 

Corn is one of the most widely produced and traded agricultural commodities in the world. As well as having a strategic importance for food security, this grain plays a central role in different sectors: from human food to animal feed, including industrial derivatives such as ethanol.

In 2023, for example, Brazil consolidated its position as the largest global exporter of corn, overtaking the United States. This performance is directly related to the evolution of agricultural techniques, increased productivity and the adaptation of the crop to different regions and times of the year.

Read also: 

• 7 interesting facts about corn 

How does the corn cycle work? 

In general, the corn production cycle varies between 120 and 150 days, depending on the variety used, the climatic conditions of the region and the cultivation system adopted.

Germination and Emergence (0 to 1 week after planting) 

• Soon after sowing, under ideal conditions of humidity and temperature, the seeds begin to germinate. In about 2 to 3 days, the seedling emerges, breaking through the soil and showing the first leaves, signaling the start of vegetative development. 

Vegetative growth (1 to 8 weeks after emergence) 

• During this stage, the plant develops its leaves, stems and roots. This initial growth is crucial, as it defines the vigor and capacity of the crop to reach its maximum production potential. 

Reproductive period (9 to 10 weeks after emergence) 

• This is where pollination and the formation of the ears of corn take place. To ensure good results, fertilization needs to take place in good climate and nutritional conditions. 

Physiological ripeness and harvest (11 to 21 weeks after emergence) 

• Around 50 days after flowering, the grains reach the point of physiological ripeness. Consequently, the harvest takes place between 4 and 6 months after planting, when the grains have lost most of their moisture and are ready for storage and sale.

The two crops of the corn cycle in Brazil 

One of the reasons for Brazil’s leading position in corn exports is the possibility of producing in two different windows throughout the year:

• Summer crop (first harvest)

Planted between September and December, mainly in the South and Southeast. Harvest takes place between February and May.

• Safrinha corn (second crop) 

Planted between January and April, right after the soybean harvest. Currently, off-season corn accounts for more than 70% of total corn production in the country, especially in states such as Mato Grosso, Paraná and Goiás. The harvest takes place between June and September.

Read also: 

• 2024/2025 harvestcorn and soybean : Brazil and Argentina in search of records 

Corn as a versatile input 

In general, corn is the basis for numerous production chains. Below, we list the main destinations for this input after harvest: 

• Animal feed: used on a large scale in livestock farming, especially for poultry and pigs
• Processed foods: raw material for starch, corn flour, oils and even products such as soft drinks and sweets. 
• Ethanol production: increasingly relevant as an alternative energy source, corn has been used to make biofuels, especially in the Midwest. 
  
• Other industrial uses: present in the production of biodegradable plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and even fabrics. 

This level of diversification increases the importance of corn on international markets. It also increases the exposure of producers and those involved in the chain to financial risks linked to prices, weather, logistics and exchange rates. 

Read also: 

• Learn all about ethanol produced from corn and its characteristics 

What influences the performance of the corn cycle? 

Several factors affect the success of corn crops and, consequently, have a direct impact on supply and prices on the global market. 

• Weather conditions 

Among the main factors, temperature, rainfall and light are decisive at all stages of cultivation. For example, periods of drought or excess humidity compromise both plant development and harvest time.

• Soil quality and nutrition 

An adequate supply of macro and micronutrients must be guaranteed throughout the cycle. A deficiency of elements such as nitrogen or phosphorus can drastically reduce productivity.

• Genetics and variety choice 

Selecting hybrids adapted to local conditions allows for greater resistance to pests, diseases and climatic variations.

• Technical management 

The use of good planting practices, pest and disease control, irrigation and crop monitoring makes all the difference to the final performance of the crop.

Managing risks in the corn cycle 

With a cycle so sensitive to external variables, producers and companies operating in the corn chain face constant uncertainty. Price volatility, input costs, logistical problems and changes in international demand are all part of day-to-day life in this market.

In this scenario, hedging instruments are important allies. They make it possible to mitigate exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, price variations on the futures market and sudden changes in the macroeconomic scenario.

Hedgepoint Hub: understand the corn cycle in depth! 

Understanding the corn cycle is essential for those operating in a dynamic market that is subject to so many variables. From preparing the soil to harvesting, each stage has a direct impact on global supply, pricing and the way agents position themselves in the face of oscillations.

In other words, today is always the ideal time to follow the movements that shape the future scenario. At Hedgepoint Hub, we offer regular reports and calls with experts who analyze the global agricultural commodities markets, helping producers manage risks intelligently. 

Access it now and turn data into strategic decisions. 

Read also: 

• Maize and wheat: prospects and challenges for 2025 

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