Manya Rathore
Research expert covering India
Corn in the U.S. - statistics & facts
The Unites States accounts for more than one-third of global corn production. The crop is also the most produced grain in the world owing to its diverse use in consumer products, industrial products, biofuels, and processed foods. This backbone of the global food, feed, and fuel system also supports exports and employment, especially in the world鈥檚 largest corn producer, the U.S.
U.S. corn belt
The midwestern states such as Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin typically constitute the 鈥corn belt,鈥 or the nucleus of corn production in the country. The region鈥檚 harvests affect world grain prices and import-dependent countries. The most harvested crop in the country is also the primary feedstock for ethanol production in the country, meaning that corn farmers usually benefit from biofuel mandates and expanded ethanol demand.
Animal feed constitutes the other considerable share of all corn used domestically in the country. Corn鈥檚 prevalence in the U.S. makes it crucial for the protein supply chain, as many intensive animal farms rely on it to feed their livestock. Since animal feed constitutes the main expense on average for meat producers, the inexpensive U.S. corn boosts the profits of American protein producers.
Volatilities in corn prices
Once corn expanded from food to feed to fuel, its prices started witnessing volatility. Over the last eight decades, U.S. prices per one metric ton of corn showed high volatility but were rapidly increasing in 2021 and 2022. A new peak price was reached in summer 2012, attributable especially to the tremendous drought in most of the major agricultural U.S. states. In 2022, corn prices almost reached 2012 values, followed by a decline until 2025. While biofuel mandates, global meat production, and weather volatility keep the corn prices elevated, advancements in breeding techniques and precision agriculture stabilize the price increases.聽
