Every country in the world relies on a robust agricultural system to produce essential crops such as maize, wheat, and rice. The United States, with its vast land area and relatively low population density, has ample space and resources to support large-scale food production. Maize is the most significant crop in the U.S., with an annual production of approximately 313 million metric tons, valued at over US$26 billion.
This has led to a substantial increase in the consumption and utilization of maize-based products. Additionally, the country has seen rising production and consumption of other key agricultural goods, including cow’s milk and soybeans. Across the agricultural sector, modern technologies are widely adopted to enhance efficiency, yield, and sustainability in crop cultivation.
| Rank | Crops and Food items | Production (MT) | Value (US$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maize | 313,948,610 | $26,394,689,000 |
| 2 | Cow Milk | 89,015,235 | $27,642,437,000 |
| 3 | Soybeans | 84,191,930 | $21,816,503,000 |
| 4 | Wheat | 54,413,310 | $7,709,855,000 |
| 5 | Potatoes | 26,655,810 | $821,116,000 |
| 6 | Indigenous Chicken Meat | 26,214,010 | $1,127,569,000 |
| 7 | Tomatoes | 19,488,460 | $3,080,555,000 |
| 8 | Indigenous Cattle Meat | 17,114,000 | $24,377,301,000 |
| 9 | Indigenous Pigmeat | 12,526,070 | $4,629,185,000 |
| 10 | Rice, paddy | 11,322,700 | $30,586,870,000 |
| 11 | Oranges | 8,869,000 | $13,633,790,000 |
| 12 | Grapes | 8,388,780 | $2,295,658,000 |
| 13 | Hen eggs, in shell | 8,078,480 | $1,561,231,000 |
| 14 | Apples | 6,756,449 | $3,862,101,000 |
| 15 | Lettuce and chicory | 5,447,100 | $346,704,000 |
| 16 | Maize, green | 5,415,600 | $4,491,639,000 |
| 17 | Cotton lint | 4,871,580 | $234,847,000 |
| 18 | Indigenous Turkey Meat | 4,275,108 | $1,808,003,000 |
| 19 | Strawberries | 4,070,780 | $1,903,143,000 |
| 20 | Almonds, with shell | 3,684,530 | $1,524,729,000 |
Maize (Corn)
The United States produces the largest amount of maize in the world, with more than 300 million metric tons per year. The majority goes into animal feed, ethanol, and processed food. Maize is in strong demand in the domestic market and is also a top export, particularly to Mexico, Japan, and South Korea. America enjoys a trade surplus on corn, which feeds world food systems and makes biofuel.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a major U.S. crop utilized to make oil, animal feed, and processed foods like tofu and soy milk. The nation is a leading exporter globally, with key buyers being China and the European Union. In the nation, soy is consumed by industry and livestock. The U.S. soybean business is a major contributor to agricultural exports, contributing billions of dollars to the economy each year.
Wheat
Wheat is a major crop in the United States, utilized for flour, pasta, cereals, and various baked foods. It is supported by domestic consumption alongside export markets, mainly in Africa and Asia. The United States produces a range of various wheat varieties, such as hard red winter and soft red winter wheat. Wheat imports are low, but exports are robust, maintaining world grain stocks and food security.
Potatoes
Potatoes rank among the leading vegetable crops in the United States, sold fresh and processed as fries, chips, and dry products. The leading producers are Idaho and Washington. Demand for the domestic market is good, spurred by foodservice and retail. The United States exports processed potato products, most to Japan, Canada, and Mexico, and imports specialty types. Potatoes are an important ingredient in nutrition and farm revenue.
