Since its inception as a country, the Founding Fathers of the United States promoted a republic based on agrarian ideals and considered agriculture the foundation of its economy. Although agricultural activity occurs in every State in the United States, it is mainly concentrated in California’s Central Valley and the Great Plains, a vast expanse of flat, arable land in the center of the nation, in the region west of the Great Lakes and east of the Rocky Mountains. The wetter eastern half is a vital corn and soybean-producing region known as the Corn Belt, and the drier western half is known as the Wheat Belt due to its high wheat production rate. California’s Central Valley produces fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Agriculture constitutes the backbone of the American economy, and each State contributes uniquely to the national food production mosaic. From the extensive wheat fields of the Midwest to the wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown in California’s fertile valleys, agricultural practices and production vary widely across the United States.
Agrarian Republicanism in the United States
During the formation of the United States, American leaders believed that establishing a republican economic system was essential to maintaining civic virtue. Reflections on the American agribusiness sector played a central role in defining the new State, with implications for political configuration and republican governance. The debate between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison focused on agrarian ideals, promoting the agricultural economy as a basis for virtuous citizenship. This ideal, which emphasized independent settlers as guardians of republican morality, was vehemently opposed to federalist economic policies, particularly those of Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton proposed strengthening the role of the State in the economy through a complex fiscal system, the accumulation of public debt, and the promotion of manufacturing and trade, focusing on Britain as a model. The Jeffersonians, on the other hand, argued that these policies favored the commercial interests of the North, harmed the agricultural South, and violated republican principles by promoting the bourgeoisie and moral decay. This ideological dispute continues to influence current political debates in the United States, marking the national character from its beginnings about the identity and future of the nation (Simal).
The United States Department of Agriculture
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) was established in 1862 during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln with the primary goal of supporting the rapidly expanding agricultural communities that were the backbone of the American economy. Its initial efforts focused on collecting agricultural statistics, studying plant and animal diseases, and examining soil composition to improve agricultural productivity. This marked a transformation in American agriculture from traditional and manual methods to a more scientific and systematic approach. Thus, the USDA became a key player in American agricultural policy, research, and development. Under the leadership of subsequent Secretaries of Agriculture, the USDA expanded its reach by establishing experimental stations and cooperative extension services to disseminate knowledge among farmers across the country. These advances increased agricultural yields, established more scientific and systematic approaches, and played a crucial role in agricultural education and research (Barycki).
Agriculture in the United States
Agriculture is a significant and net food exporter industry in the United States. According to the 2017 Agriculture Census, 2.04 million farms are covering 900 million acres (1,400,000 square kilometers), with an average of 441 acres (178 hectares) per farm (Farmland Information Center). Agriculture in the United States is highly mechanized, and most farmers or farm workers operate one hectare of farmland per square kilometer. Agriculture occurs in every State, but it is primarily concentrated in California’s Central Valley and the Great Plains, a vast expanse of cultivable land in the nation’s center, the Eastern region of the Great Lakes, and the Western region of the Rocky Mountains. The Eastern half is an essential producer of corn and soybeans, while the Western half is known as the Wheat Belt due to its high wheat production. California’s Central Valley produces fruits, vegetables, and nuts (Hatfield). The southern United States has historically been a significant producer of corn, tobacco, and rice, but its agricultural production has declined over the past century. Florida leads in citrus production and is the second-largest producer of oranges worldwide, behind Brazil. The United States has made significant advances in seed improvement, including hybridization and crop expansion from George Washington Carver to bioplastics and biofuels. Mechanization of agriculture and intensive farming have been essential themes in the country’s history, including the development of John Deere’s steel plow, Cyrus McCormick’s mechanical reaper, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin, and the Fordson tractor and combine. Modern agriculture in the United States includes both small-scale farms and large commercial farms covering thousands of acres of crops or pasturelands.
California’s Central Valley
California’s Central Valley is a large plain in the center of the State. It extends about 600 km north-south and hosts most of the State’s agribusiness productions. The northern part is known as the Sacramento Valley, and the southern part is known as the San Joaquin Valley. Both parts converge at the delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers.
The Central Valley of California produces 82% of the world’s almonds. Kern, Fresno, Madera, and Merced counties produce more than 100 million pounds each year, while the entire State produces over 2 billion pounds.
The grape harvest is one of the largest and most rapidly growing industries. Kern, Fresno, and Tulare counties are the leading producers of table grapes, while Monterey, Napa, and San Joaquin counties lead in wine grape production (Univision). The Central Valley produces 8% of the nation’s agricultural output, and California is the sole exporter of many crops, including almonds, raisins, and nuts. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, more than a third of the vegetables and about two-thirds of the nuts grown in the United States come from California. By 2050, California’s agriculture is expected to increase by another 50% to feed a projected world population of nine billion. California’s agricultural success is attributed to its diverse lands and ecosystems, which allow for the growth of various species. The State’s fertile and productive soil, Mediterranean-like climate, and access to fresh water during harvest seasons contribute to its position as one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. The central region of California, characterized by four mountain valleys, is the main farming area, with its unique warm climate and access to water from snowmelt and underground aquifers (Quinn Cat).
Great Plains
The Great Plains span parts of 10 states in the United States: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico.
Wheat Belt
The southern part, which includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, cultivates hard red winter wheat. Hard red spring wheat is grown in the northern part, which covers South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana. According to Mordor, the commercial intelligence consultancy, the North American wheat market is projected to reach 145.25 billion dollars by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 3.01% from 2023. The market is expected to reach 152.23 billion dollars by 2028.
Wheat, a critical global product, is a staple food in households worldwide and is affected by various factors such as climate, production, oil prices, lagging prices, and imports. Approximately 21% of global food relies annually on wheat harvests, with relatively limited availability. Developing countries, including most net wheat importers, consume 77% of global wheat production. Wheat ranks third among extensive crops in the United States regarding planting, production, and agricultural income. In the 2022 marketing campaign, American farmers produced 1.6 billion bushels of winter wheat, hard red wheat, and other types of spring wheat on 35.5 million acres. The Wheat Belt, part of the North American Great Plains, is the primary producing region. The southern region, including Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, and Colorado, is suitable for winter wheat cultivation due to its cold and dry climate. Winter wheat production accounts for about 70% of the total output in the United States. The growing demand for compound feed and biofuels in North America has led to a massive increase in wheat production. The federal government is providing subsidies to boost the consumption of biofuels such as wheat ethanol, which are cost-competitive compared to traditional fuels and are a practical addition to gasoline (Mordor Intelligence).
Corn Belt
The Corn Belt is a region of the American Midwest where corn has been the predominant crop since the 1850s. The Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Eastern Nebraska, Eastern Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin) are commonly referred to as the “Corn Belt.” Sometimes, the Corn Belt also includes parts of South Dakota, North Dakota, and Kentucky. There are more than 127 million acres of farmland in the Midwest, with 75% of that area dedicated to corn and soybeans. In 1950, 99% of the corn was produced from hybrids, and most was grown for livestock, pigs, and poultry. Soybean cultivation has grown in recent decades, and the United States produces 40% of the world’s corn harvest. Soybeans and corn are the two most important crops in the United States. In 2022, soybeans had the largest cultivated area, covering 25.8% of the total arable land in the United States, followed by corn at 25.7% and wheat at 11.1%. Most of these crops are grown in the “Corn Belt” region, covering Western Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Eastern Nebraska, and Eastern Kansas. Corn and soybean production dominates this area (Mordor Intelligence). The region is characterized by relatively flat land, fertile and deep soils, and abundant organic matter. The term has become popular and describes the characteristics of an area where intensive agriculture prevails.
Source: British Encyclopedia
American Agriculture: A Fundamental Pillar of Its Economy
Agriculture is the backbone of the American economy, and each State contributes distinctly to the mosaic of national food production. From the wheat fields of the Midwest to the wide variety of fruits and vegetables grown in California’s fertile valleys, agricultural practices and outcomes vary widely across the United States. Geographical, economic, and cultural factors influence crop diversification, climatic conditions, and farming techniques, resulting in heterogeneous agricultural production. Some states are leaders in commercial crops such as corn and soybeans, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, located in the Corn Belt, and others like Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Montana, where various types of wheat are grown, located in the Wheat Belt, and others like California’s Central Valley, which produce fruits and vegetables (Texas Real Food).
California: An Agricultural Powerhouse
California is a powerhouse in agriculture, attributed to its combination of fertile soils, microclimates, and innovative practices. The State’s agricultural industry feeds the nation and provides a substantial portion of the world’s fruits, nuts, and vegetables. With climates ranging from cold, foggy coasts to warm, dry valleys, it offers opportunities to grow various crops. Farmers must consider different regions of the State with specific agricultural strengths, such as wine production in the Napa and Sonoma valleys or orchards in the Central Valley. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) considers California’s lands “High-Quality agricultural land,” optimizing food production with less fuel, fertilizers, and pesticide inputs. This State is one of the nation’s leading producers, with innovative water conservation and organic farming approaches. California is a leading producer of various fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy, and wine. The Central Valley, known as the “Salad Bowl” of the country, is renowned for its vast production of vegetables and greens. Fruits include citrus, berries, and stone fruits, while nuts include almonds, walnuts, and pistachios. Organic farming and sustainable practices are integral to California, focusing on soil health, water reduction, and ecological conservation. Certified organic production is a growing segment of California’s agricultural output, involving crop rotation, natural pest control, and minimal labor.
Sustainable Wheat Production
American wheat producers work daily to contribute to a sustainable future in agriculture through agronomic practices, research and development, and transportation methods. Sustainability is linked to innovation, aiming to reduce inputs by producing better wheat varieties to increase yields and provide high-quality wheat to global customers. Commitment to environmental conservation is also crucial. Since 1980, American wheat producers have increased their productivity by more than 25%, producing the same amount as in 1980 but with 28% less land. This increase has been achieved through improved farming practices, such as direct seeding methods, integrated pest management, precise nitrogen application, crop rotation to prevent disease cycles, and reduced use of pesticides and fungicides, all while enhancing overall soil fertility.
American wheat producers work daily to contribute to a sustainable future in agriculture through agronomic practices, research and development, and transportation methods. Sustainability is linked to innovation, aiming to reduce inputs by producing better wheat varieties to increase yields and provide high-quality wheat to global customers. Commitment to environmental conservation is also crucial. Since 1980, American wheat producers have increased their productivity by more than 25%, producing the same amount as in 1980 but with 28% less land. This increase has been achieved through improved farming practices, such as direct seeding methods, integrated pest management, precise nitrogen application, crop rotation to prevent disease cycles, and reduced use of pesticides and fungicides, all while enhancing overall soil fertility.
Sustainable Corn Production
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), global corn production in 2023 reached 1,235,700,000 tons, with the United States and China as the leading producers. Corn sustains millions of people as a staple food and is essential in biofuels and animal feed (qtd. in Cambiagro).
Source: Cambiagro
American corn producers are committed to sustainability through careful land management, continuous technological improvement for global intensification and trade expansion to reduce marginal low-productivity producers and fragile lands. Advanced production methods, such as reduced tillage and crop aeration, significantly reduce energy consumption, soil loss, pesticide use, and greenhouse gas emissions while improving productivity. Biotechnology is a fundamental tool American corn producers use to obtain safe, high-quality crops in various growing conditions, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use. Currently, 90% of users are small farmers in developing countries. Integrated GPS technology allows farmers to create precise maps, adjust plant density, and apply other inputs optimized for the environment. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), known as drones, are valuable tools for monitoring crop health. American corn producers meet more than 10% of the country’s automotive ethanol needs, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 34% compared to gasoline production (US Corn Sustainability).
Conclusion
American agriculture is the backbone of its economy. Establishing a republican economy was crucial to maintaining civic virtue. Thomas Jefferson and James Madison promoted agrarian ideals, while Alexander Hamilton strengthened the State’s role in the economy through a complex fiscal system and the promotion of manufacturing and trade. During President Lincoln’s administration, the USDA became a key player in American agricultural policy and development, providing leadership in food and agriculture, offering economic opportunities through innovation, helping rural areas thrive, and promoting agricultural production to better feed Americans and help feed others worldwide.
While agriculture is an essential industry in the United States, it is intensive and highly mechanized, primarily concentrated in California’s Central Valley, the Midwest, and the Great Plains. Its production and practices vary by State, emphasizing organic agriculture and sustainable practices. Sustainability is linked to innovation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the production of pesticide- and fungicide-free crops, and biotechnology for ethanol production. Although it contributes only about 1% of the national GDP, American agriculture is a world leader in food production, with corn, soybeans, wheat, and almonds being the main crops.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Luis Henry Contreras Del Aguila
Food Industries Engineer Universidad Nacional Agraria de la Selva- Tingo Maria- Peru
Master in Agribusiness Administration ESAN University – Lima-Peru
Country Agribusiness CEO
REFERENCES
Barycki, Radojka. “USDA: Un Legado de Progreso Agrícola e Inocuidad Alimentaria”. www.linkedin.com, December 29, 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/usda-un-legado-de-progreso-agr%C3%ADcola-e-inocuidad-radojka-barycki-qmzfc/
Cambiagro. “Siembra de maíz: mejores prácticas y consejos para agricultores”. www.blog.cambiagro.com, Abril 29, 2024, https://blog.cambiagro.com/2024/04/29/siembra-de-maiz/
Farmland Information Center. 2017 Census of Agriculture. web.archive.org, https://web.archive.org/web/20210904050425/https://farmlandinfo.org/2017-census-of-agriculture/
Hatfield, J., 2012: Agriculture in the Midwest. In: U.S. National Climate Assessment Midwest Technical Input Report. web.archive.org, http://glisa.msu.edu/docs/NCA/MTIT_Agriculture.pdf
Mordor Intelligence. North America Wheat Market Size & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029). www.mordorintelligence.com,
https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/north-america-wheat-market
Quinn Cat. California Agriculture Industry Guide. www.quinncompany.com, March 1, 2017, https://www.quinncompany.com/es/agriculture-california-industry-guide/
Texas Real Food. State by State Farming Guide. www. cardioid-cobalt-mspb.squarespace.com, https://cardioid-cobalt-mspb.squarespace.com/starting-a-farm/state-by-state-farming-guide
Univision. “El Valle Central de California produce el 82% de las almendras que consume el mundo”. www.univision.com, 11 Septiembre del 2019, https://www.univision.com/local/fresno-kftv/el-valle-central-de-california-produce-el-82-de-las-almendras-que-consume-el-mundo
US Sustainability. “Maiz de Estados Unidos Lider Global en Sostenibilidad”. www. thesustainabilityalliance.us, https://thesustainabilityalliance.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SP-US-Corn-Sustainability-The-Facts-FORMATTED.pdf