American producers’ contribution to the world’s corn market is substantial. Without American production, the world’s supply would take a massive hit, impacting all corners of the globe. In order to fulfill the needs of the growing population, farmers spend restless weeks during peak planting and harvesting season (weather permitting) aboard their agriculture equipment to achieve the highest yield possible.

Corn Growing

So, while we understand corn is a major American export, let’s take a closer look at just how valuable American production is to the global market and some other interesting figures. To help paint a clearer picture, we’ve put together a list of 15 corn statistics, enjoy!

1. In 2013, United States farmers produced 37% of the world’s corn. (Click to Tweet)

2. Corn is grown on over 400,000 United States farms. (Click to Tweet)

3. The U.S. corn crop acreage could cover all of Germany. (Click to Tweet)

4. Farmers grow corn on every continent except Antarctica. (Click to Tweet)

5. Corn and soybean acres have topped 50% of all harvested acres for the first time. (Click to Tweet)

6. Iowa was responsible for 2.16 billion bushels of corn in 2013, leading all corn producing states. (Click to Tweet)

7. In 1912, corn producers harvested 20 bushels per acre. In 2013, they harvested 158.8 bushels per acre. (Click to Tweet)

8. If farmers in 1931 wanted to yield the same amount of corn as farmers did in 2008, they would need an additional 490 million acres. (Click to Tweet)

9. In 2012, nearly 30% of all corn was utilized in the production of industrial ethanol. (Click to Tweet)

10. In 2012, 38% of corn was used as feed for livestock such as beef, pork or poultry. (Click to Tweet)

11. There are over 3,500 different uses for corn products. (Click to Tweet)

12. 95% of U.S. corn farms are family-owned. (Click to Tweet)

13. Each year, a single U.S. farmer provides food and fiber for 129 people — 97 in the United States and 32 overseas. (Click to Tweet)

14. On average, each American consumes 25 lbs. of corn a year. (Click to Tweet)

15. The Corn Belt is regarded as the most productive plant-growing region in the world. (Click to Tweet)

Corn Harvest

As the planting season has concluded and the harvest is right around the corner, we hope these corn statistics provided a look at how important the United States is to the global market and opened your eyes to some facts you were unaware of.  If you enjoyed this post, or want to read others, feel free to connect with us on Facebook!

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