These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local Institution

Corn and Soybean Production Home, Corn and Soybean Production Home, Corn and Soybean Production Home

Why is seed corn graded?

Last Updated: May 18, 2009

View as web page


Corn seed (or corn grain) is graded to determine the quality of the grain. Standards are determined by the USDA for various categories of corn (U.S. No. 1 being the highest grade). Grading includes factors such as test weight, percentage of intact kernels, percentage of damaged kernels, and percentage of foreign matter (weed seeds, soil, etc.). For more on grading of corn or other commodities, go to the U.S. Grain Standards Website.

Browse related Faqs by tag: soybeans, corn, field crops


Have a specific question? Try asking one of our Experts

Unlike most other resources on the web, we have experts from Universities around the country ready to answer your questions.



View this page: