The map below shows the percentage of land in each U.S. state that is planted with principal crops, based on data from GrainStats and the USDA’s Prospective Plantings report.
Principal crops include corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton, oats, barley, sorghum, rice, and other field crops that form the foundation of American agriculture.
The Corn Belt Dominance
Iowa and Illinois lead the nation with more than 60% of their total land area dedicated to these essential crops. This concentration in the Corn Belt reflects the ideal growing conditions of the Midwest’s fertile soils and favorable climate.
North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska follow closely, with 40-50% of their land planted with principal crops. These Great Plains states leverage vast expanses of flat terrain and specialized farming operations to maintain high agricultural productivity despite more challenging growing conditions.
Western States: Limited Cropland
In stark contrast, many western states allocate less than 5% of their land to principal crops. Nevada has the lowest percentage at just 0.6%, followed by Arizona (0.8%) New Mexico (1.1%).
This limited cultivation reflects the mountainous terrain, arid climate, and protected federal lands that characterize much of the western United States.
The Southeast’s Middle Ground
The Southeastern states present an interesting middle ground, with states like Mississippi (13.9%) and Arkansas (20.7%) dedicating significant portions of their land to crops despite diverse topography and higher annual rainfall than their Midwestern counterparts.
Border Contrasts
What’s particularly striking is how dramatically the agricultural footprint changes at state borders.
Missouri (31.5%) shares a border with Iowa (67.9%), yet has less than half the cropland percentage. This disparity highlights how state policies, historical development patterns, and natural boundaries have shaped America’s agricultural landscape.
Beyond Principal Crops
When comparing these figures to overall food production, it’s important to note that principal crops represent only part of the agricultural picture.
States with lower percentages often specialize in other agricultural sectors like livestock, dairy, fruits, vegetables, or forestry that aren’t reflected in these statistics.
American Farming Efficiency
The data also reveals the remarkable efficiency of American farming.
Though only 17% of U.S. land is used for cropland overall, this relatively small footprint produces enough food to make the United States a leading global exporter of agricultural products while still feeding its domestic population.
Looking Ahead
Understanding how land resources are allocated across states provides valuable insight into regional agricultural strengths and potential vulnerabilities in our food systems. This, as we face challenges from climate change, water scarcity, and urban development in the coming decades.
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