This brief article will highlight the best agricultural zones in the US and the top crops they yield. If you want more insights about the country’s agriculture, read 13 Most Productive Agricultural Regions in the US.
5. Southern Plains (including Texas and Oklahoma)
Cumulative Agricultural Output: 23.6 million tons
The Southern Plains, encompassing Texas and Oklahoma, is one of the high-yield farming regions in the US. Texas, in particular, boasts a large-scale agricultural operation, with more than 126 million acres of farmland as of 2022, highlighting its significant role in the region.
Texas is a prominent cotton producer, yielding over 3 million 480-pound bales, making it one of the top cotton exporters in the country. Additionally, the production of hay and haylage plays a vital role in the state’s agriculture, with substantial quantities produced annually. Texas is also a notable contributor to the national grain supply, producing corn and wheat.
Similarly, Oklahoma produced over 66 million bushels of wheat in 2022, along with 24 million bushels of corn. The state’s other primary crops include hay, soybeans, and cotton. Despite comprising fewer states, the Southern Plains region ranks third in the US in terms of the number of operated acres. This region is characterized by its diverse range of farm operations, playing a crucial role in the production of key agricultural sectors such as cotton, hay, and grain.
4. Great Plains (including Nebraska and Kansas)
Cumulative Agricultural Output: 82.11 million tons
The Great Plains, encompassing states like Nebraska and Kansas, has consistently ranked among the most productive agricultural regions in the US. Corn is a major crop in Nebraska, and the 2023 harvest is expected to yield between 1.66 and 1.69 billion bushels, representing an increase from the previous year’s yield of 1.4 billion bushels. This production occurs on approximately 9.16 to 9.59 million acres, a significant portion of the state’s farmland. The rise in yield per acre indicates both an expansion of cultivated land and improved production efficiency.
Soybeans hold another crucial position in Nebraska’s agriculture, with the 2023 forecast projecting a production range of 265 to 316 million bushels, cultivated on roughly 5.20 to 5.45 million acres, as reported by the University of Nebraska.
Winter wheat and sorghum also play key roles, both witnessing substantial increases in production in 2023. Sorghum, in particular, has experienced significant growth in both yield and harvested acreage, underscoring its growing importance in regional agricultural planning.
3. Lake States (including Minnesota and Wisconsin)
Cumulative Agricultural Output: 97.4 million tons
In Minnesota, a part of the Lake States region, farming primarily revolves around corn and soybeans. According to the USDA, Minnesota’s farmers harvested approximately 1.46 billion bushels of corn from 7.49 million acres and nearly 369.5 million bushels of soybeans from 7.45 million acres in 2023.
Minnesota is also notable for its production of spring wheat (excluding durum), with a harvest of approximately 73.81 million bushels. The state’s agricultural diversity is further evident in its significant production of hay and haylage, including alfalfa, totaling millions of tons.
Moreover, Minnesota plays a vital role in the production of potatoes, with a harvest of about 19.15 million hundredweight and sweet corn, which holds significance in both processing and fresh markets. Additionally, Wisconsin’s primary crops include corn, soybeans, and potatoes. In the 2022 crop year, Wisconsin produced 545 million bushels of corn and 116 million bushels of soybeans.
2. Corn Belt Midwest (including Iowa and Illinois)
Cumulative Agricultural Output: 125 million tons
The Midwest’s Corn Belt, with a notable focus on Iowa, plays a pivotal role in U.S. agriculture and is known for its robust crop production. In 2022, Iowa’s agricultural landscape was predominantly dedicated to the cultivation of corn and soybeans. Specifically, approximately 12.35 million acres were allocated for corn, resulting in a remarkable production of about 2.47 billion bushels. This substantial corn production not only underscores its significance to Iowa’s farm economy but also its substantial contribution to the country’s overall agricultural output.
Soybeans represent another essential crop for Iowa, with the state planting over 10 million acres, yielding approximately 586.75 million bushels. This impressive soybean production underscores their crucial role in Iowa’s agricultural landscape.
Illinois takes the lead in corn, soy, wheat, and pumpkin production, although corn production significantly outweighs all other crops. In 2022, Illinois achieved a corn yield of 2.26 billion bushels, while its soybean yield reached 677 million bushels.
1. Northern Plains (including North Dakota and South Dakota)
Cumulative Agricultural Output: 202 million tons
The Northern Plains region, encompassing North Dakota and South Dakota, plays a pivotal role in U.S. agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of essential crops. In 2023, North Dakota placed a strong emphasis on soybeans, wheat (both spring and durum), and corn. The state planted approximately 5.7 million acres of soybeans, resulting in a yield of approximately 198.45 million bushels. Wheat also stood out as a significant crop, with various types yielding nearly 300 million bushels.
Corn production in North Dakota was substantial as well, with over 2.65 million acres planted and a harvest of around 347.15 million bushels. The state also plays a major role in canola production, with about 1.8 million acres planted and a yield of over 3 billion pounds. Similarly, South Dakota takes the lead in corn and soybean production, with recorded yields of 661 million bushels and 192 million bushels in the 2022 crop year.
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