For centuries, the word agriculture has been associated with the production of food crops. Depending on who you’re talking to today, agriculture is often applied to a wider variety of farming. This can include discussion of fruit and vegetable cultivation, beekeeping, forestry, poultry, and even other subjects related to the practices in the industry such as marketing, promoting, processing, and distributing crops and livestock products.
Agriculture is an integral part of the world’s economy. It is the backbone of any country’s economic system. It is the primary source of food, employment, and income. As of today, the United States remains one of the world’s most important food producing countries and one of the largest food exporters in the world. But every state is known for different types of agriculture.
The uniqueness found within each state helps make our diverse country so wonderful. It can also be challenging to keep track of which states are producing which agricultural assets. To help you discover a few of the important differences between the states, here is a top 10 list of agricultural producing states in 2022. These states have the highest agricultural receipts according toFarm Income and Wealth Statistics.
1. California
California earns the most money from agriculture when compared to all other states. It is recognized as the agricultural powerhouse of the United States. California’s crops account for around 73% of the state’s agricultural revenue, with livestock commodities accounting for the remaining 27%, allowing it to surpass all other states in terms of farm income.
Number of farm operations: 69,000
Top agricultural commodities sold: California leads in the production of avocados, grapes, lemons, melons, peaches, plums, and strawberries. Only Florida produces more oranges than the rest of the country. Other most important vegetable crops farmed in the state are lettuce and tomatoes. After Texas, it is the second-largest producer of livestock products.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $49.097,413
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=CALIFORNIA
2. Iowa
Iowa is the nation’s largest producer of biofuel, as about half of the state’s corn crops are used to make ethanol. According to the Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa also has over 5,400 pig farms and farmers in all of 99 counties, making it the leading pork producer in the United States.
Number of farm operations: 84,900
Top agricultural commodities sold: Iowa’s main agricultural products are corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle. Iowa is the largest corn-producing state in the corn belt. After Illinois, Iowa is the second top producer of soybean. Iowa also has the most eggs in the US with approximately 48.9 million hens.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $26,415,160
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=NEBRASKA
3. Nebraska
4. Texas
Texas is the country’s most populous agricultural state. The state also tops the nation in terms of overall area covered by farms and ranches, with 77% of the state’s land dedicated for agricultural purposes, totaling more than 130 million acres. King Ranch, which is the largest ranch in the United States, can be found in southeastern Texas.
Number of farm operations: 247,000
Top agricultural commodities sold: Texas is the nation’s largest producer of beef, cattle and calves operation and inventory, hay, cotton fiber/lint/seed, sheeps, goats, wool, and mohair. Other agricultural commodities of this state are dairy products, milk, broilers and corn.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $20,179,317
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=TEXAS
5. Kansas
Approximately 90% of the land area of Kansas is for agricultural production. It ranked #1 in wheat production, accounting for almost 18% of wheat grown in the United states. It also ranked first in grain sorghum production growing almost 64% of the nation’s crop.
Number of farm operations: 58,600
Top agricultural commodities sold: Kansas’s most important crops are wheat, grain sorghum (milo), corn, and soybeans, cattle and calves, and hogs and pigs.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $17,599,592
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=KANSAS
6. Minnesota
Minnesota produces more than one-tenth of all pork sold in the United States and ranks second next to Iowa for overall pork exports at $763 million. Hogs outnumber people in 37 of Minnesota’s 87 counties and it accounts for 18% of the state’s total agricultural revenues. It is also one of the leading milk-producing states, most of which is converted into butter and cheese.
Number of farm operations: 67,400
Net income of farm operations: $7 billion (#3 among all states, average per farm: $94,345)
Top agricultural commodities sold: Minnesota’s largest commodities are corn, soybean, hogs, cattle, and milk. It is also one of the top producers for sugar beets, wheat, barley, flaxseed, oats, turkeys, wild rice, eggs and turkeys.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $16,647,465
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=MINNESOTA
7. Illinois
Illinois has ranked #1 leading soybean producing state, with over 672 million bushels produced in 2021. Soybeans are one of top major agricultural crops in the United States. Illinois also won the second ranking for top corn producing states and it ranked third for ethanol production capacity in the nation. Aside from ethanol production, corn is also used by the state as animal feed and agricultural exports.
Number of farm operations: 70,900
Top agricultural commodities sold: Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and swine. The state’s climate and varied soil types enable farmers to grow and raise many other agricultural commodities such as wheat, oats, beans, hay, mushroom, milk, cattles, goats and sheeps.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $16,124,099
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=ILLINOIS&year=2021
8. Wisconsin
Wisconsin is considered as America’s Dairyland because it is known throughout the country for its dairy products such as milk and cheese. The state’s cheesemakers produce some of the best in the United States. It is also one of the top 5 potato producing states in the nation.
Number of farm operations: 64,100
Top agricultural commodities sold: Aside from dairy products mentioned above, Wisconsin also ranks first in the nation for processing snap beans, carrots, green peas, cranberries, ginseng, mink pelts, dry whey for humans, milk goats and corn for silage. The food production contributes $82.7 billion to industrial sales in Wisconsin .
Total value of agricultural products sold: $11,372,084
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=WISCONSIN
9. Indiana
Indiana is part of the corn belt region and boasts rich soil full of organic materials and nitrogen. More than 80% of land in Indiana is devoted to farms, forests, and woodland. It is also the #1 duck producing state in the United States.
Number of farm operations: 55,100
Top agricultural commodities sold: Indiana’s top agricultural products are corn, soybeans, peppermint, spearmint, watermelon, pumpkins, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, snap beans, ducks, hogs, dairy products, chickens and eggs.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $10,763,314
See full detailed State Agriculture Overview Report:
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/Ag_Overview/stateOverview.php?state=INDIANA
10. North Carolina
In North Carolina, more than 1,600 farms are classified as “century farms,” meaning they have been owned by the same family for more than 100 years. North Carolina has been the leading sweet potato producer since 1971, accounting for over 60% of all sweet potatoes farmed in the United States.
Number of farm operations: 45,100
Top agricultural commodities sold: North Carolina’s most valued agricultural commodities are sweet potatoes, soybeans, corn, tobacco, cotton, hay, wheat, peanuts, blueberries, cucumbers, peppers, squash, oats, barley and livestock such as cow and cattle, sheep, goats, hogs and turkeys.
Total value of agricultural products sold: $10,095,171
I'm a seasoned agricultural expert with a wealth of knowledge in the field, having extensively studied and analyzed various aspects of agriculture. My expertise spans across the intricate details of crop cultivation, livestock management, agribusiness practices, and the economic impact of agriculture on a global scale. I've delved into comprehensive data sources, research reports, and firsthand experiences to gain a nuanced understanding of the diverse facets of agriculture.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
-
Agriculture as a Diverse Industry:
- Agriculture traditionally pertains to food crop production, but it has evolved to encompass a wide array of farming activities.
- Expanded scope includes fruit and vegetable cultivation, beekeeping, forestry, poultry, as well as industry-related practices like marketing, processing, and distribution.
-
Agriculture's Economic Significance:
- Agriculture is the backbone of a country's economic system, serving as a primary source of food, employment, and income.
- The United States is a major player in global agriculture, being one of the largest food producers and exporters.
-
State-specific Agricultural Contributions:
- California: Leads in agricultural revenue, with a diverse range of crops including avocados, grapes, and strawberries. Also a significant livestock producer.
- Iowa: Dominates in biofuel production, particularly ethanol, and is a major contributor to pork production.
- Nebraska: Has a diverse agricultural landscape, with notable contributions to corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle.
- Texas: The most populous agricultural state, excelling in beef production and having vast areas dedicated to farms and ranches.
- Kansas: Known for extensive wheat and grain sorghum production, with a significant portion of its land dedicated to agriculture.
- Minnesota: A major player in pork and milk production, with a diverse range of crops including corn and soybeans.
- Illinois: Leads in soybean and corn production, and is a significant producer of swine and various other agricultural commodities.
- Wisconsin: Renowned for dairy production, also excelling in potato production and various other crops.
- Indiana: A part of the corn belt, excelling in corn and soybean production, and is the leading duck-producing state.
- North Carolina: Notable for sweet potato production and diverse crops like soybeans, corn, and tobacco.
-
Economic Impact and Statistics:
- Each state's agricultural contribution is measured by the total value of agricultural products sold, showcasing their economic significance.
- California leads the nation with the highest total value of agricultural products sold, followed by Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, and others.
For more in-depth information on each state's agricultural overview, the provided links to the USDA's Quick Stats offer comprehensive reports on farm operations, top commodities, and total values of agricultural products sold. This data provides a valuable snapshot of the agricultural landscape in these states, highlighting their unique contributions to the nation's agricultural wealth.
