In this article, we will list 15 states that produce the most corn in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the corn sector in the US, go directly to the 5 States That Produce the Most Corn.
The United States produces and consumes the most corn. It is the lifeblood of the US Agricultural sector, with over 95% share in the feed grain industry. So, this article will list 15 states that produce the most corn annually according to the latest figures.
Corn is the edible grain of the grass family. About 1000 years ago, natives in the North American region started the domestication of corn. It has now become one of the most grown and distributed crops in the world, with the United States taking the lead in its production. China, Brazil, Argentina, and Ukraine are also major producers of corn after the United States.
Corn is often regarded as ‘yellow gold’ because of its versatility and high yields. It is used as industry raw materials, biofuel, and human food. Companies such as Archer Daniels Midland Co (NYSE:ADM), which supply corn syrup are huge in the United States. The primary use of corn in the US, however, is to make ethanol.
America's leadership position in corn production is credited to the ‘Hybrid Vigour’ method, discovered by Edward East and George Shull. This method combines inbreeding and cross-pollination to achieve consistent corn stocks with high yields. Today, at least 41 Sates produce and grow corn commercially.
Why is corn important for the United States?
Corn plays a vital role in maintaining the US balance of payment because it is an essential component of its trade. In addition, it is also important for many companies headquartered in the United States.
Many publicly traded food processing companies throughout the United States are major stakeholders in the corn industry. Kellog Co (NYSE:K), one of the leading marketers and manufacturers of cereals and snacks, has offices and retail locations all over the United States.
The highest chunk of revenue Kellog Co (NYSE:K) generates, comes from cereals that use corn as their main ingredient. Kellogg Co (NYSE:K) reported an annual revenue of $15.315 billion in 2022.
Corn is the main ingredient in high fructose syrup. So, fructose corn syrup suppliers like Archer Daniels Midland Co (NYSE: ADM) are also stakeholders in the corn industry. Archer Daniels Midland Co (NYSE:ADM) reported revenue of $101.6 billion in 2022.
Corn also helps meet the energy requirements of the United States. It is used to produce corn ethanol, which accounts for 26% of America’s gasoline consumption. This also explains why the United States is the largest ethanol producer.
Challenges for Corn Production in the United States
Thanks to its high yields, the US is the leading producer of corn. However, this position of a market leader is under threat from Brazil and the challenges it currently faces in corn production.
While the United States produced more corn during the marketing period of 2022-2023 compared to the last, the growth rate has not been impressive. It produced less than expected corn because of dry weather conditions and limited rainfall. Some farmers also had to deal with nutrient-depleted soil which further decreased production.
Climate change and environmental factors are not the only challenges the US corn producers face. Logistical issues because of the pandemic also caused delays in the availability of seed, which led to decreased production.
The crop production summary of 2022 by the US Department of Agriculture shows that corn production in the United States is concentrated in the northern and midwestern states. Our analysis of the data shows that the top 4 corn-producing states account for more than half of United States corn production. Here are some of the key findings from the report:
Iowa is the leader in terms of total harvested area and yield. It is also the leader in terms of overall corn production, accounting for 18.06% of total volume.
Utah had the lowest yield per acre and produced the lowest volume of corn. It accounted for only 0.02% of the corn produced in the United States in 2022.
Arkansas comes last in the list of the top 15 states that produce the most corn. It contributed 0.88% of the total corn produced in the United States.
Our methodology
We used the latest report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is regarded as the authority on agricultural statistics of the United States. We looked at the 2022 figures and calculated the percentage of corn stock each state contributes to the national cumulative to curate our list. For our analysis, we also looked at the yield and the total area harvested for corn stock.
Without further ado, let's look at the states that produce the most corn.
15 - Arkansas
Area harvested in 2022 - 6845,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 120,235,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 184 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 0.88%
As the second largest producer of Poultry in the United States, corn produced in Arkansas is mostly used domestically as poultry feed. Arkansas also exports some corn through the Mississippi River. Its corn acreage has increased and taken over cotton production substantially in the last decade.
14 - Texas
Area harvested in 2022 -11,080,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 152,950,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 128 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 1.11%
The northern high plains of Texas contribute to most of its corn acreage. It is worth noting that corn plantations in Texas can begin as early as January and as late as June. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, corn quality in Texas is declining.
13 - Kentucky
Area harvested in 2022 -5,809,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 210,600,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 192 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 1.53%
While every county in Kentucky grows corn, its western parts have the highest acreage. Corn is the leading crop in Kentucky, along with soya beans. It uses corn mainly for live feed and as a cash crop. A considerable portion of corn in Kentucky is used for fuel as well.
12 - Michigan
Area harvested in 2022 - 6,210,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 336,000,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 174 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 2.45%
Most of the corn grown in Michigan is exported out of state. A substantial portion is also used for the production of ethanol. The corn plantation season in Michigan takes place during May, with 45% of acreage planted by May 15th. This is an interesting contrast to Texas, where corn planting season lasts for six months.
11 - North Dakota
Area harvested in 2022 - 21,144,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 349,770,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 105 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 2.55%
North Dakota’s corn is mainly produced for animal feed and ethanol production. It is the second most grown crop after soya beans. Most of the corn here is planted during May. North Dakota corn crops are always at risk of fall and frost damage, so early planting is recommended.
10 - Missouri
Area harvested in 2022 - 13,417,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 502,320,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 159 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 3.66%
Missouri is one of the top corn producing states. It is often grown with a two-year rotation with soya beans. The corn plantation season in Missouri starts in the last week of April and lasts till the first week of August. The majority of Missouri corn is utilized as livestock feed, while a significant portion is used for ethanol production.
9 - Kansas
Area harvested in 2022 - 21,906 acres
Production in 2022 - 510,600,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 139 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 3.72%
Kansas's agriculture sector is highly dependent on corn, as it contributes the most in terms of production and economic contribution. Corn plantations in Kansas start as early as late March and continue till mid-May.
8 - Wisconsin
Area harvested in 2022 - 7,555,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 545,400,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 180 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 3.97%
Most of the corn produced in Wisconsin is utilized for livestock feed. However, a substantial portion is also used for ethanol production, and a very small portion is exported. The majority of corn produced in Wisconsin is grown in its central, south-central, and eastern parts.
7 - Ohio
Area harvested in 2022 - 9,740,000 acres
Production in 2022 - 594,660,000 bushels
Yield per acre in 2022 - 193 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 4.33%
Ohio produces field corn, which is primarily used for livestock feed and ethanol production. The plantation season in Ohio spans the months of April and May. Corn plantations in Ohio face the risk of frost damage but it remains one of the states that produce the most corn.
6 - South Dakota
Area harvested in 2022 - 15,993
Production in 2022 - 661,320,000 acres
Yield per acre in 2022 - 134 bushels
Contribution in 2022 - 4.82%
Corn is the most planted crop in South Dakota. Plantation season begins in May and lasts till July. While South Dakota’s sweet corns are popular throughout the United States as a great snack, most of the corn produced here is utilized for ethanol.
