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This statistic shows an estimate of global grain production between 2022 and 2023, by type of grain. Global soybean production is estimated at nearly 400 million metric tons. The most important grain in terms of production is corn, with a production volume of over one billion metric tons.

Grains

Thousands of years ago, humans began harvesting the small dry seeds known as grains. The two main categories of grains are cereals, such as wheat, rye, and corn, and legumes such as beans, lentils, peanuts, and soybeans. Many grains can be stored for very long periods, are easily transportable over long distances, and can be processed into flour, oil, and gas, and consumed by both humans and animals.

According to recent statistics, most grains in the United States are used for animal feed, while a slightly smaller share is processed into ethanol. The smallest portion is consumed by humans. Recently, there has been much discussion about health and ethical issues regarding grains used as feed for cows, goats, and sheep, which are biologically better adapted to consuming grass. Although much more profitable than grasses, some consider that feed has a negative effect both on meat quality and on the health of the animal and the consumer.

The use of grain in ethanol production has increased significantly in recent years. Global ethanol production has tripled since the year 2000. Ethanol is a semi-renewable energy obtained by fermenting organic materials, often sugarcane or corn cobs. It can be mixed with gasoline and used as a biofuel in gasoline engines. This hybrid automotive fuel is much less polluting than regular gasoline.