If you are interested in trading Corn futures it is helpful to become familiar with the history of the Corn market. The CBOT Corn Contract is the global benchmark for the pricing of corn. The size of the corn contract translates into a relatively small underlying value per contract, making it attractive for hedgers and speculators alike, providing easy market access for global participants small and large.

For centuries corn has been a staple of everyday life. Corn is used as a source of food, energy, and monetary value. From the primitive corn crop of the early Native Americans, to present day genitically modified hybrids that are resistant to pests, chemicals, and drought corn remains firmly rooted at the center of U.S. agriculture.

During the last ten years, corn has been the leading crop in terms of production and amount grown. The United States of America is the largest producer of corn in the world. Over eighty percent of the production in the U.S. centered in “Corn Belt”. The “Corn Belt” includes the mid-western states of: Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Indiana.

A large set of commercial market participants, including farmers, elevator operators, feed lots, exporters and a diverse set of institutional participants underscores the importance of corn futures and options markets ensuring highly efficient pricing and continuous liquidity.