<div class='node-body'><p>Due to extreme drought conditions and record heat waves across the country, corn yields are projected to be the lowest in nearly a decade, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The statistics have also <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/11/us-usa-crops-idUSBRE86A0LL20120711" target="_blank">sparked concern</a> over food prices in the near future.</p>
<p>The USDA expects that this year&#39;s corn crop will average 146 bushels an acre, a 20 bushel decrease from its last estimation.</p></div><div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-news-hp-image">
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<p><a href="https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/07/11-5" target="_blank">read more</a></p>