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How Much Does One Cob of Corn Cost?

Last Updated on January 22, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

For consumers and farmers alike, understanding the factors that determine corn prices is esential to getting the best value. In this extensive guide, we’ll analyze everything from state-by-state cost variations to bulk purchasing strategies for saving money on corn purchases, whether buying cobs for a summer barbecue or bulk commodity corn for livestock feed.

How Much Does One Cob of Corn Cost?

In the United States, the cost for a single cob of corn ranges from a minimum of $0.25 for conventional corn purchased in bulk direct from farms up to a maximum of $2.00 or more for premium organic varieties sold individually at high-end retailers. The average price nationally falls between $0.50 to $1.25 per cob depending on the type, season, region, and source.

Nationwide, fresh corn on the cob prices average:

  • Conventional: $0.50 to $1 per ear
  • Organic: $0.75 to $1.50 per ear

But significant regional differences emerge:

Midwest (IA, IL, IN, NE)

  • Conventional: $0.25 to $0.75 per ear
  • Organic: $0.50 to $1.25 per ear

Northeast (NY, PA, NJ)

  • Conventional: $0.75 to $1.25 per ear
  • Organic: $1 to $1.75 per ear

West Coast (CA, OR, WA)

  • Conventional: $1 to $1.50 per ear
  • Organic: $1.25 to $2 per ear

When buying direct from farms, prices on the lower end of these ranges are common. Private farm stands and farmers markets offer competitive per-ear pricing in peak season.

According to a listing from Walmart, fresh sweet corn on the cob is priced at approximately $0.50 each. This price reflects a common retail price for corn during its peak season.

Another source, a discussion on Reddit, indicates that prices can vary widely based on location, with some users reporting prices as low as $0.25 per ear in areas close to corn production. Conversely, others noted prices around $3 for 5 ears in different regions, highlighting the impact of local supply and demand.

A report from The Farmer’s Life discusses the value of corn from a farming perspective but does not provide direct retail prices. However, it emphasizes that while individual ears may seem inexpensive, their value can add up significantly in agricultural production contexts.

According to the USDA data referenced by YCharts, the average price for corn at the farm level is about $4.07 per bushel. Given that one bushel contains approximately 56 pounds, this translates to roughly $0.07 per pound. Considering an average cob weighs about 0.5 pounds, this would suggest a cost of around $0.35 per ear based on bulk pricing.

Lastly, an overview from MacroTrends notes that corn prices have fluctuated over time, with current prices around $4.85 per bushel. This historical context provides insight into how market conditions can affect retail prices for consumers purchasing corn on the cob.

Corn Pricing Matters

Corn prices affect many sectors:

Households – Higher corn costs raise prices for cooking oil, cereal, meat, and more impacting family budgets.

Farmers – Corn accounts for over 95 million acres of U.S. cropland, making its profitability vital to rural economies. Even small price swings dramatically impact incomes.

Global Markets – As the #1 world corn exporter, U.S. corn prices directly influence international commodity markets and food costs.

Understanding pricing factors allows stakeholders to make informed sales, purchase, and policy decisions. This guide aims to illuminate the forces in play.

What Impacts the Price?

Many variables affect the retail and wholesale pricing of corn:

Seasonal Availability

  • Fresh corn prices fluctuate with the annual growing seasons.
  • Peak harvest in late summer and early fall provides the lowest prices.

Corn Type

  • Sweet corn, prized for cooking, costs more than field corn used for feed.
  • White, yellow, bi-color, and supersweet varieties also vary in price.

Organic vs. Conventional

  • Organic corn runs 20-50% higher than conventional corn due to higher production costs.

Regional Differences

  • Corn from top producing states like Iowa and Illinois is generally cheaper than corn shipped long distances.

Retail vs. Wholesale Prices

  • Buying direct from farms provides lower wholesale rates than grocers.

You might also like our articles on the cost of grain bins, chicken feed, or bales of straw.

Wholesale Corn Prices per Bushel and Ton

Farmers selling commodity corn in bulk measure pricing in bushels (about 56 pounds) and tons:

Commodity Corn (Field Corn)

  • Bushel Price: $3 to $4
  • Ton Price: ~$100 to $120

Organic Field Corn

  • Bushel Price: $5 to $6
  • Ton Price: ~$160 to $190

Sweet Corn

  • Bushel Price: $15 to $30
  • Ton Price: ~$400 to $800

Sweet corn commands the highest wholesale rates based on strong demand. Meanwhile, organic crops earn 20-30% premiums for farmers over conventional corn.

International Corn Price Comparisons

United States

  • Largest global exporter
  • Heavily subsidized, more stable pricing
  • Conventional: $3-$4 per bushel

China

  • Second largest producer
  • Major U.S. corn importer
  • Conventional: $7-$9 per bushel

Brazil

  • Major exporter to Europe and Asia
  • Volatile pricing due to currency swings
  • Conventional: $6-$8 per bushel

European Union

  • Major corn importer
  • High production costs
  • Conventional: $9-$12 per bushel

While U.S. corn prices have risen over the past decade, they remain among the most affordable worldwide thanks to favorable agriculture policies.

Expert Tips

One Cob of CornTo gain insider advice, we asked agriculture experts for their top money-saving tips on buying corn:

Purchase direct from farms to avoid retail markups,” suggests agriculture specialist Wanda Magnusson of Iowa State University.

Plan menus around seasonal harvests,” advises chef Kendrick Fleming of Michigan. “In-season corn is freshest and cheapest.”

Corn wholesaler Mark Freeman says: “Buy futures contracts in winter to lock in lower prices for summer harvests.”

Their guidance emphasizes buying directly from regional farms during peak season using strategic forward contracts to obtain the best pricing.

Where to Find the Best Deals

Farmer’s Markets – Freshest corn, often picked that morning, at reasonable prices. Support local farms!

Grocery Stores – Reliable year-round inventory. Watch for sales and bulk deals.

Online Farm Stores – Order corn for delivery from local farms at competitive rates.

Wholesale Suppliers – Buy large quantities directly from distributors for as low as $0.10 to $0.20 per cob.

Timing purchases around peak harvest months provides the highest quality and lowest prices.

Corn Price Forecasts

Experts predict continued price increases through 2025:

  • 2023: Forecast $1.25 average conventional, $1.75 organic
  • 2025: Could reach $1.50 conventional, $2.25+ organic

Factors expected to drive prices higher:

  • Ongoing elevated fuel, fertilizer, and labor expenses
  • Increased climate volatility impacting harvests
  • High consumer demand for corn products
  • Rising exports and commodity speculation

Farmers must plan carefully amidst strong inflationary conditions to maintain profitability. Meanwhile, shoppers may see corn shift from an affordable staple to an occasional vegetable.

Fresh, Canned, and Frozen Corn Prices

Beyond cobs, consumers can also buy processed corn year-round:

Canned Corn

  • 16 oz can: $0.50 to $1
  • ~4-5 servings per can
  • $0.15 to $0.25 per serving

Frozen Corn on the Cob

  • Cob: $1 to $1.50
  • 12 oz bag (4 cobs): $3 to $4

Frozen Corn Kernels

  • 16 oz bag: $1.25 to $2
  • ~5-6 servings per bag

Canned and frozen options provide budget-friendly alternatives to fresh corn when cobs are expensive out of season. Stocking up when on sale economizes further.

Corn Prices Nationwide by Type

Corn Type Average Price Range Per Ear
Conventional $0.50 to $1.00
Organic $0.75 to $1.50
White $0.75 to $1.25
Yellow $0.50 to $1.00
Bi-color $0.75 to $1.25
Supersweet $0.75 to $1.50

Visually comparing the price ranges for different corn varieties makes pricing clearer.

As a dietary staple and livestock feed, corn is indispensable worldwide:

  • The U.S. is the #1 global corn exporter, making domestic prices a matter of international importance.
  • China is the #2 corn producer, but imports American corn to meet demand.
  • Global inflation, rising transportation costs, and climate impacts are increasing corn’s baseline price worldwide.
  • Government subsidies help buffer volatility and inflation in top producing countries like the U.S.

Smart Shopping Tips

Follow these tips to get the most value from your corn purchases:

  • Buy in season – Purchase fresh corn during peak harvest months for lowest prices.
  • Shop at markets – Skip the store and buy direct from local farms to save.
  • Look for sales – Check ads and stock up when corn goes on sale.
  • Freeze extra cobs – Freezing preserves freshness if you buy more corn than you need.
  • Buy canned or frozen – Out of season, substituting frozen or canned corn can save over fresh.
  • Purchase wholesale – For large amounts, buy bulk corn from suppliers for the best per-cob deals.

Final Words

Corn remains one of the most economical staple foods. But with inflationary pressures straining budgets, understanding pricing factors enables prudent purchases. Follow these tips:

  • Buy direct from farms during harvest season
  • Substitute canned or frozen corn in winter
  • Watch for bulk sales at grocery stores
  • Consider planting a small backyard plot

While the days of 5₵ ears are gone, a little planning goes a long way towards keeping corn accessible even on a budget!

Answers to Common Questions

Why is corn on the cob so expensive?

The price of fresh corn on the cob is higher than processed corn products because of the additional labor and transportation costs involved. Each ear must be hand-picked and shipped immediately before losing quality. This quick turnaround and hand preparation results in cobs costing $0.50 to $1.00 each even when corn is in peak season. Out of season, fresh cobs can approach $2-3 each. So, while not necessarily expensive produce overall, fresh corn on the cob does command a premium versus buying frozen or canned corn alternatives. Purchasing cobs in bulk during peak harvest can reduce the per-unit price.

How much corn comes from one cob?

A typical ear of corn yields about 0.5-1 cup of kernels when cut from the cob. Larger varieties may produce up to 1.25 cups. So, for a family meal, plan for approximately:

  • 2-3 ears of corn per adult
  • 1-2 ears of corn per child

When buying corn on the cob for cooking or grilling, err on the side of purchasing too much. Extra cobs keep for several days refrigerated and can be cut from the cob for casseroles or other dishes later.

Is canned corn cheaper than fresh corn?

Yes, canned corn is generally 50-75% cheaper per serving than fresh corn on the cob. Canned corn ranges from $0.50 to $1 per can, with a 16oz can holding roughly 4 to 5 servings. So, per-serving cost is about $0.15 to $0.25. Fresh corn on the cob costs $0.50 to $1 per cob, with each cob equal to 1 serving. So canned corn’s longer shelf life, lower transportation costs, and year-round availability make it a more budget-friendly option compared to fresh corn, while still providing taste and nutrition. Buying canned is recommended when fresh cobs are expensive out of season.

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