By Jamie Martin
Corn and soybeans are essential to U.S. agriculture, supplying feed for livestock, powering renewable fuel production, and driving export markets. They underpin both rural economies and national food security.
In 2023, corn production topped 15.3 billion bushels, while soybeans reached 4.16 billion bushels. Although some are used in food products, most go toward feed, fuel, and exports.
For corn, about 35% is used as livestock feed, 33% for ethanol, 14% for exports, 8% for food and industry, and 11% stored. Soybeans are 30% feed, 7% renewable fuel, 56% exports, with the rest stored or processed into meal and oil.
These crops play a central role in producing beef, dairy, pork, poultry, and eggs. Corn provides energy, and soybean meal delivers protein, making animal production more efficient and keeping grocery prices in check.
The economic role is significant. Together, corn and soybeans contribute over $275 billion in total output and support millions of jobs across farming, processing, transportation, and trade.
Exports of these crops are a major driver of rural prosperity, with bulk shipments valued at over $40 billion in 2023. Each dollar exported generates more than $2 in related economic activity.
Advances in technology and farming practices have boosted yields dramatically since 1990, allowing more production on less land. Without these efficiency gains, far more acreage would be needed to meet today’s demand.
From feedlots to fuel plants to ports, corn and soybeans connect the entire agricultural supply chain, proving their essential role in both American life and global food systems.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: National