The pale green covering roughly half the map is hay and forage. Not corn. Not soybeans. Hay.

The US runs one of the world’s largest cattle and dairy industries, and those animals need feed all through winter when pasture is gone. That demand adds up fast across dozens of states. Drought hit Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado particularly hard in 2022, which pushed the national dry hay harvest down to 49.5 million acres (about 20 million hectares), the lowest figure recorded since 1907. Texas still came out ahead of every other state at nearly 4.2 million acres (about 1.7 million hectares), despite being more than 25% below its 2021 total. Missouri put up 3.18 million acres (about 1.3 million hectares) and Oklahoma 3 million (about 1.2 million hectares) in what was a difficult year for much of the southern Plains.

The situation in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Indiana is different. That dark maroon block is corn, 79.2 million acres (about 32 million hectares) harvested for grain in 2022. Pink soybeans sit right alongside at roughly 86 million harvested acres (about 35 million hectares) the same year. These two rotate in the same fields season after season, which is why they share county borders so consistently across the map.

Most of those corn acres are not producing food for people. About 40% of domestic corn use goes to animal feed, with approximately 39% going to ethanol production. The portion reaching human food products is below 10%. 97% of domestic soybean meal goes into livestock and poultry feed as well. All three crops, hay, corn, and soybeans, are largely serving the same purpose at different stages of the same system. Most US cropland exists to feed animals, which then become the meat, dairy, and eggs on your plate.

Wheat grows across Kansas, stretches up through Montana and the Dakotas, and appears again in eastern Washington. West Texas goes dark green with cotton, which continues through the Mississippi Delta and into parts of the Southeast, while rice occupies counties along the Gulf Coast.

What draws the eye next is a small lilac cluster: the counties of the Willamette Valley in western Oregon. These counties supply virtually the entire US production of annual ryegrass, perennial ryegrass, bentgrass, and fine fescue across more than 400,000 statewide acres (about 162,000 hectares). The seed gets shipped to lawns, golf courses, and sports fields across the country and around the world. Linn County has carried the nickname Grass Seed Capital of the World since a farmer near the town of Tangent planted the first commercial ryegrass crop there in 1921. The grass under most American lawns, golf courses, and sports fields started its life there.

The post The Dominant Crop in Every US County appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Denmark rarely appears on that list, yet nearly 59 percent of Denmark’s land grows crops such as wheat, barley and vegetables. Actually, that ranks Denmark second globally, only a smidge behind Bangladesh.

Only five countries have more than half their land as arable: Bangladesh at 59.0 percent, Denmark at 58.9 percent, Ukraine at 56.1 percent, Moldova at 55.1 percent, and India at 50.4 percent.

Denmark has a great starting point—mostly flat terrain with consistent rainfall, making farming straightforward in lots of places. People made choices that built on that natural advantage. Going back to the 1800s, Danish farmers began grouping up in co-ops, slowly combining those scrappy little plots into larger, handier farms. In the long run, that overhauled the countryside from a mixed-up collection of bits and pieces into big open fields, with woods and small towns appearing here and there like extras.

Bangladesh goes about it in its own way—it’s a cramped nation with around 174 million people packed in, so they till nearly every viable bit of soil to churn out food.

Ukraine leans on its renowned chernozem, the plush dark dirt that’s prime for grains, letting them produce monster harvests that stock global markets.

Moldova shares similar soil advantages.

With 1.4 billion mouths to feed, India turns about half its territory over to crops, needing all that space, even if output and techniques swing wildly from one state to the next.

The post Five Countries Farm More Than Half Their Land appeared first on Vivid Maps.

For a long time, tea was the world’s daily staple. But over the last century, coffee has caught up. In 2023, people worldwide consumed about 10.71 billion kilograms of coffee, compared with 7.09 billion kilograms of tea. Today for every three cups of tea poured, nearly five cups of coffee are brewed.

To show how these crops are grown, I created a series of maps using SPAM 2020 V2r0 data (IFPRI, 2025).

Coffee on the Move

Coffee travels across borders on a massive scale. Brazil is the undisputed leader in exports, followed by Vietnam, Colombia, and Indonesia. On the importing side, the United States, Germany, Italy, and Japan take in the largest volumes, fueling both café culture and at-home brewing.

When we talk about coffee, we’re really talking about two main species. Arabica beans are lighter on the palate, sometimes described as having fruity or floral tones, and often brewed for their brightness and complexity. Robusta beans, on the other hand, bring more punch – twice the caffeine, a stronger body, and resilience in the field that makes them easier and cheaper to grow. That’s why Arabica fills most specialty coffee bags, while Robusta often ends up in instant jars, espresso blends, and affordable supermarket roasts.

Arabica Coffee

Brazil sets the pace for Arabica cultivation, producing close to a third of the beans sold worldwide. Colombia is not far behind – its reputation for smooth, balanced coffee has been built over decades of careful farming in the Andes. Ethiopia holds a special place: not only is it the birthplace of coffee, but it still grows an extraordinary range of local Arabica varieties, many unique to its highlands. Honduras, too, has moved from a secondary role into the spotlight, with exports climbing steadily in the last few decades.

The U.S. buys more coffee than any other country, much of what Americans drink are blends of Arabica and Robusta. By contrast, French and Japanese consumers often prefer pure Arabica.

Robusta Coffee

Vietnam leads the world in Robusta farming, with its Central Highlands transformed into one of the most productive coffee regions on earth. Brazil also produces large volumes – its Robusta, called Conilon, plays an important role in both local and international markets. Indonesia, India, and Uganda round out the group of major producers.

In Italy, even though espresso is strongly associated with Arabica, most roasters blend in Robusta. The reason isn’t just cost – Robusta helps create the thick crema, that golden layer of foam on top of a proper espresso shot.

Arabica and Robusta Together

To put the two side by side, I made a combined map showing regions where each type of coffee is grown.

Arabica is found mainly in the cool highlands (e.g. Andes, East Africa), flourishing wherever altitude creates just the right mix of temperature and rainfall. Robusta takes a different approach, settling into the warmer lowland areas of Southeast Asia and parts of Africa, thriving in conditions that would leave Arabica struggling.

Tea: A Different Tradition

Tea brings another flavor to the table – literally and culturally. It has less caffeine than coffee, is often more affordable, and offers endless styles depending on how leaves are processed: green, black, oolong, white, or pu-erh.

Most of the world’s tea comes from Asia, with China and India far ahead in total production. Kenya, though much smaller in size, is a giant in exports, especially black tea, which makes its way into millions of breakfast blends worldwide. Turkey is another standout – not for sheer output, but for the intensity of its tea culture. The average person there drinks more than three kilograms of tea a year – the highest per-capita consumption anywhere.

Countries That Grow Both

A handful of countries cultivate both crops, often in very different regions. India does this on a large scale, with tea plantations in Assam and Darjeeling, and coffee farms scattered across the southern states. Vietnam grows Robusta in the Central Highlands while producing tea in the north. In East Africa, Kenya and Uganda are important players in both markets.

Coffee and tea shape habits in different ways, but they share one thing in common: both connect us to landscapes and farming traditions far beyond our own kitchens. The next time you pour yourself a cup, it’s worth pausing to think about the journey those leaves or beans took to get there.

The post From Highland Peaks to Lowland Valleys: Mapping the World’s Coffee and Tea Territories appeared first on Vivid Maps.

I wanted to see how they’re spread out today and how productive they really are, so I pulled data from the SPAM 2020 V2r0 dataset and turned it into a set of maps.

Wheat

Wheat is old – about 10,000 years old. It started in the Fertile Crescent, and from there it found its way into nearly every temperate farming region. Part of its success is that it stores well, tolerates a range of climates, and can be turned into just about anything: bread, pasta, noodles, couscous… you name it.

Today, China, India, and Russia top the production list.

Top producers in 2023 (according to FAO):

Yields vary a lot — some countries get only 401 kg per hectare (Somalia), while heavily managed New Zealand fields can go 9668 kg per hectare.

Maize

Maize, or corn, started in Central America long before Columbus ever saw it. Now it’s everywhere. Its flexibility is hard to beat: you can eat it fresh, grind it, feed it to animals, or turn it into ethanol. Globally, it averages around 5 tonnes per hectare, which is higher than wheat or rice.

The U.S., China, and Brazil are the heavyweights here.

Top producers in 2023:

According to FAO, the United Arab Emirates had the largest yields in 2023 (23307 kg per ha)

Rice

Rice is the daily staple for more than half the world’s population. It thrives in flooded fields, which help control weeds and pests, but also require a lot of water. On average, yields are about 4.7 tonnes per hectare, though some parts of China and Vietnam manage much higher.

China and India dominate rice production, with Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Vietnam not far behind.

Top producers in 2023:

Tajikistan emerges as 2023’s maize champion, harvesting an impressive 9,874 kg per hectare.

After looking at each one separately, it’s worth seeing how they fit together. Wheat prefers temperate zones, maize grows in a wide range of conditions, and rice fills the wetter lowlands. Put them all on the same map, and you can spot regions where they overlap and others where one crop clearly dominates.

Here is an animated version of this world map.

These three crops have shaped civilizations, economies, and even politics. They feed billions every day. But they’re also vulnerable — to market swings, to changing weather, and to environmental costs like water use and greenhouse gas emissions.

I’m curious: do you think the world should keep doubling down on these giants, or put more effort into other crops that could share the load?

The post Wheat, Maize, and Rice: Mapping the Crops That Feed the World appeared first on Vivid Maps.

In rural areas of the Great Plains, for example, cattle are a common sight, as agriculture and livestock farming are prevalent. Hog farming thrives in Midwest states (such as Iowa and south of Minnesota).

In parts of the Deep South, poultry like chickens are widespread. Chickens are kept for their eggs and meat, providing a valuable food source for many households.

John Johnson came up with an interesting idea to add the species Homo sapiens to the list as another domesticated animal. This idea is not unfounded; according to the scientific work ‘Editorial: Self-Domestication and Human Evolution,’ we, Homo sapiens, have self-domesticated ourselves. To create the map, he used the 2022 data from the USDA Census of Agriculture and the Census Bureau Population Estimates Program.

According to this map of the most domesticated animals, Homo sapiens is the most common animal in the Northeast, Pacific states, and some states in the South, such as Florida, and parts of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Arkansas near the Mississippi River.

The post Most Common Domesticated Animal in each US county appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The uniqueness of potatoes

Potatoes are unique in several ways:

1. Variety: There are over 4,000 varieties of potatoes, each with its own unique shape, size, and color.
2. Nutrition: Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, vitamins (especially vitamin C), minerals (including potassium), and dietary fiber.
3. Adaptability: Potatoes can be grown in a wide range of climates and soils, and can be cultivated in different ways such as planting them directly in the ground, in raised beds, or even in containers.
4. Versatility: Potatoes are a highly versatile ingredient in cooking and can be boiled, baked, fried, mashed, or roasted to create a wide range of dishes.
5. Importance: Potatoes are one of the most important food crops in the world and are a staple food for millions of people. They are also used in animal feed and for industrial purposes, such as making starch, alcohol, and biofuels.

Overall, the potato is a highly adaptable and nutritious crop that has played a significant role in human history and continues to be an important food source today.

Potato consumption in European countries

Potatoes are a widely consumed food in European countries, with varying consumption patterns and preparation methods. Here are some characteristics of potato consumption in European countries:

• High consumption: European countries are among the highest consumers of potatoes in the world, with some countries like Belarus, Ukraine, Poland and Romanino having a particularly high consumption rate.
• Preparation methods: Potatoes are commonly consumed in various forms, such as boiled, mashed, roasted, fried, and baked. They are also used as a key ingredient in many traditional dishes, such as French fries in Belgium, fish and chips in the United Kingdom, and gnocchi in Italy.
• Seasonal consumption: In some countries, such as Sweden and Finland, potatoes are mainly consumed during the winter months when fresh vegetables are not as readily available.
• Cultural significance: Potatoes have a long history in European cuisine and are often associated with national and regional identity. For example, potatoes are an important part of Irish cuisine and have played a significant role in the country’s history.
• Health concerns: In recent years, there has been some concern about the health impact of potato consumption, particularly in the form of fried and processed potato products. As a result, some European countries have introduced measures to promote healthier potato consumption, such as encouraging the consumption of boiled or baked potatoes instead of fried ones.

The map below created by @theworldmaps shows how many kilograms of potatoes does one person eat every year in Europe, using Food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) data.

Interesting facts about potatoes

1. The Incas in Peru were the first to cultivate potatoes over 7,000 years ago.
2. Potatoes were not always popular. In fact, when they were first introduced to Europe in the 16th century, many people thought they were poisonous and would not eat them.
3. Potatoes are the world’s fourth-largest food crop, after maize, wheat, and rice.
4. The first potato planted in North America was in New Hampshire in 1719.
5. The famous Irish potato famine in the 1840s led to the deaths of over a million people and the emigration of millions more.
6. Potatoes can be used to power a light bulb! By creating a battery using a potato, two electrodes (usually copper and zinc), and wires, you can generate enough electricity to light up an LED bulb.
7. Potatoes are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, and are also low in calories.
8. The world’s largest potato weighed in at 18 pounds, 4 ounces, and was grown in the United Kingdom in 1795.
9. There is a potato museum in Brussels, Belgium, called the Frietmuseum, which is dedicated to the history and culture of potatoes and the Belgian tradition of making fries.
10. The term “couch potato” was first coined in the 1970s to describe someone who spends a lot of time sitting in front of the TV or computer, like a potato sitting on a couch.

The post Potato Consumption in Europe appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Horses Per Capita

The first map shows where horses are most prevalent per person. Topping the list is King County, TX, with a remarkable 3.38 horses per person, stands out due to its unique combination of a low population and a high reliance on horses for ranching and agricultural activities. This sparsely populated county relies heavily on equine companions for daily work and transportation, which contributes to its unusually high horse-per-person ratio. Other notable counties include Arthur County, NE (1.23), Wheeler County, NE (1.21), and McPherson County, NE (1.07). These regions are characterized by low human populations and a strong agricultural presence, making horses a vital part of local life.

Total Number of Horses by County

This map focuses on sheer numbers. Marion County, FL, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” leads with 23,900 horses, thanks to its world-renowned thoroughbred breeding farms, training facilities, and equestrian events like the Ocala Horse Show. LaGrange County, IN (19,600) and Apache County, AZ (18,000) follow closely. Kentucky stands out as an equine hub, with Fayette County (15,600) and Bourbon County (11,200) among the top 10 counties. This aligns with Kentucky’s reputation for thoroughbred breeding and racing.

Horses Per Square Mile

Density provides another fascinating perspective. Fayette County, KY, possesses an incredible 55 horses per square mile, with LaGrange County, IN, following at 51. Counties in Kentucky dominate this category, reflecting its historical and cultural ties to horses. Marion County, FL, also makes an appearance with 15 horses per square mile, underscoring its equestrian prominence.

The Broader Perspective

According to the USDA, the total number of horses in the United States is approximately 7.2 million (USDA Census, 2022). Texas leads with over 700,000 horses, followed by California and Florida. Horses are primarily used for recreation, breeding, racing, and work. Recreational riding is the most common use, reflecting the enduring appeal of equestrian activities in American culture.

Trends in Equine Populations

Horse numbers have fluctuated over time. The mid-20th century saw a decline due to mechanization, but recent decades have seen a resurgence. For example, recreational riding has become increasingly popular, with statistics showing steady growth in horseback riding clubs and trail-riding activities. Competitive equestrian sports, including show jumping and dressage, have also seen a rise in participation, fueled by high-profile events like the Olympics and national championships. However, some rural areas continue to face challenges in maintaining horse populations because of economic pressures.

Final Thoughts

These maps not only highlight the distribution of horses but also underscore their significance in various regions of the United States. Have you noticed similar trends in your own area or had any personal experiences with horses? Share your thoughts in the comments! Whether you’re an equestrian enthusiast or a data geek, they offer a unique glimpse into America’s agricultural and cultural fabric. If you enjoyed this exploration, feel free to share your thoughts below!

The post Horses Across America: A Visual Journey Using USDA Census Data appeared first on Vivid Maps.

The olive was originally planted seven thousand years ago in Mediterranean countries. The olive has coexisted with people for approximately five thousand years.

Although it is one of the oldest and most widespread plants on Earth, it is hard to pinpoint its origin as a cultivated plant accurately. It is considered to have first been planted in ancient times by indigenous Middle Eastern people. It was probably indigenous to Syria, between 4000 and 1400 BC. It spread to Egypt, Crete, and Attica and thence to the rest of the Mediterranean basin with the help of the Greeks, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians, where its cultivation was favored by particularly suitable climate and soils.

Diffusion of the olive tree in the Mediterranean Basin

As a native to the dry subtropical Mediterranean region, it acclimates very well to extreme environmental and agricultural conditions, often living for centuries.

Currently, in the Mediterranean region, many olive trees have survived, whose age significantly exceeds 1000 years. These oldest olive trees were over forest wildfires, natural catastrophes and the development of human civilization. Most of them still produce olives.

The oldest olive trees

1. Noah’s sisters (Lebanon): 6,000 years old
2. Olive Tree of Vouves (Greece): 3,000-5,000 years old
3. Olivastro di Luras (Italy): 4,000 years old
4. Al-Badawi tree (Palestine): 3,000-4,000 years old
5. Stara Maslina (Montenegro): 2,000-3,000 years old
6. Olive tree in Algarve (Portugal): 2,000-2,500 years old
7. Bidni olive trees (Malta): 2,000 years old
8. An olive tree close to the Via Augusta (Spain): 1,700 years old
9. Maslina Kastils (Croatia): 1,500 years old

Olives are the most important crop in many Mediterranean countries. It is one of the main elements in the Mediterranean menu. There are above two thousand varieties of olives. Approximately 160 of them are usually grown for table olives or for producing olive oil. While some olives are explicitly grown to eat as table olives, others are valued for their distinguishing use of extra virgin olive oil.

Nowadays, the species is planted in various regions and recognized adopted in all the nations of the Mediterranean shoreline, as well as in Saudi Arabia, Java, Norfolk Island, Bermuda, Argentina, California. In South Australia, the olive has become a dominant woody plant that replaces natural trees.

The map of distribution and expansion of olive trees over the Mediterranean Basin

Spanish colonials brought the olive to the Americas, where its horticulture flourished nowadays in Argentina, Chile, and Peru. Later Spanish missionaries planted the tree in the eighteenth century in California.

Today, approximately 9.7 million hectares were covered with olive trees, which is more than twice the area of land dedicated to apples, bananas, or mangoes. Just oil palms and coconut trees require more space.

Leading olive producing nations

1. Spain – 6.6 million tones (2.6 million hectares cultivated area)
2. Greece – 2.3 mln tones (0.9 mln ha)
3. Italy – 2.1 mln tones (1.2 mln ha)
4. Turkey – 1.7 mln tones (0.8 mln ha)
5. Morocco – 1.4 mln tones (1.0 mln ha)
6. Syria – 0.9 mln tones (0.8 mln ha)
7. Tunisia – 0.7 mln tones (1.6 mln ha)
8. Algeria – 0.7 mln tones (0.4 mln ha)
9. Egypt – 0.7 mln tones (0.07 mln ha)
10. Portugal – 0.6 mln tones (0.4 mln ha)

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an approximated 867 million olive trees are on the planet today, and the considerable bulk of these are found in Mediterranean nations. The ten biggest producing Mediterranean states grow 95 percent of the world’s olives. These countries are also significant producers of olive oil.

The maps below shows World production and consumption of olive oil, by nation.

Olive oil production and consumption

The largest consumers of olive oil are Portugal, Italy and Greece. Residents of these countries prefer olive oil to sunflower oil and butter. The map below, created by TheWorldMaps, shows which oil is consumed the most in Europe: sunflower, olive or butter.

The post Olive Tree in the Mediterranean Bassin appeared first on Vivid Maps.

• Alabama: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• Alaska: Aquaculture (oysters, clams, and other shellfish)
• Arizona: Cattle and calves
• Arkansas: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• California: Milk cows and other dairy cattle
• Colorado: Cattle and calves
• Connecticut: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• Delaware: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• Florida: Cattle and calves
• Georgia: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• Hawaii: Aquaculture (shrimp)
• Idaho: Cattle and calves
• Illinois: Hogs and pigs
• Indiana: Hogs and pigs
• Iowa: Hogs and pigs
• Kansas: Cattle and calves
• Kentucky: Hogs and pigs
• Louisiana: Cattle and calves
• Maine: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• Maryland: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• Massachusetts: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• Michigan: Milk cows and other dairy cattle
• Minnesota: Hogs and pigs
• Mississippi: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• Missouri: Cattle and calves
• Montana: Cattle and calves
• Nebraska: Cattle and calves
• Nevada: Cattle and calves
• New Hampshire: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• New Jersey: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• New Mexico: Cattle and calves
• New York: Milk cows and other dairy cattle
• North Carolina: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• North Dakota: Cattle and calves
• Ohio: Hogs and pigs
• Oklahoma: Cattle and calves
• Oregon: Cattle and calves
• Pennsylvania: Milk cows and other dairy cattle
• Rhode Island: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• South Carolina: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• South Dakota: Cattle and calves
• Tennessee: Cattle and calves
• Texas: Cattle and calves
• Utah: Cattle and calves
• Vermont: Dairy cows and other dairy cattle
• Virginia: Poultry (chickens and turkeys)
• Washington: Cattle and calves
• West Virginia: Hogs and pigs
• Wisconsin: Milk cows and other dairy cattle
• Wyoming: Cattle and calves

Here is the map of the most common livestock by U.S. county.

In the United States, nearly 100 million cattle and calves (beef and dairy) are dispersed widely across the country, with a greater concentration generally in the Central States.

Overall, the number of cattle and calves in the United States increased from 30.1 million in 1869, reaching a peak of 132.0 million in 1975. In recent years, the Nation’s inventory of cattle and calves has seen a steady decline.

With a vast demand for beef in the United States, growing cattle are at the top of livestock. Raising pigs and chickens is also profitable.

The top states for pig farming are Iowa, North Carolina, Minnesota, Illinois, and Indiana. Iowa is the top producer of pigs in the United States, with North Carolina following in second place. These states have favorable climate conditions, abundant land, and access to feed and water resources, which make them ideal for pig farming. Additionally, these states have a strong infrastructure for pig processing and distribution, which supports the growth of the pig farming industry in these areas.

The top U.S. states for chicken farming are Georgia, Arkansas, Alabama, North Carolina, and Mississippi. Georgia is the top producer of chickens in the United States, followed by Arkansas in second place.

Below the map of the top agricultural animal product by U.S, State labeled with total export profit.

Cattle are commonly the most profitable and most accessible livestock to get profit. Beef cattle demand good meadow, hay when winter, and freshwater.

With a business worth approximately $50 billion, chicken growing is one of the most profitable U.S. economic sectors. According to the most up-to-date Census of Agriculture, there were more than 230 thousand chicken farms in the U.S.,

The pork industry has excellent times right now with high pig prices and low grain prices. Commonly, in the United States, from one pig, you can get a net profit of 100-500 U.S. dollars after half a year of growing.

The post Most Common Livestock in the United States appeared first on Vivid Maps.

Although agricultural activity occurs in every U.S state in the union, it is particularly concentrated on the west coast, in the Great Plains, a vast expanse of flat, arable land in the center of the nation in the region around the Great Lake.

The United States is a large and diverse country with varied climates, soil conditions, and geographical features. As a result, different regions specialize in the production of specific agricultural commodities based on their unique advantages. Here’s a glimpse into the farming specifics of different areas in the U.S.:

• Corn Belt: Located in the Midwest, the Corn Belt is known for its fertile soil and favorable climate for corn cultivation. States like Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Indiana are major producers of corn, which is used for animal feed, ethanol production, and various food products.
• Wheat Belt: Stretching from the Northern Plains to the Midwest, the Wheat Belt encompasses states such as Kansas, North Dakota, and Montana. These regions have semi-arid climates and suitable soil conditions for wheat farming. Wheat is a significant crop used for bread-making, pasta, and other grain-based products.
• Cotton Belt: The Cotton Belt includes parts of the Southern United States, including states like Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia. This region has a warm climate, long growing season, and adequate rainfall, making it ideal for cotton production. Cotton is used in textiles, apparel, and other cotton-based products.
• Fruit Orchards: California is renowned for its fruit orchards, particularly in the Central Valley region. The Mediterranean climate, fertile soil, and efficient irrigation systems contribute to the production of a wide variety of fruits, including oranges, lemons, grapes, and almonds. Washington State is also known for its apple orchards.
• Dairy Farms: Wisconsin, California, New York, and Pennsylvania are among the top states for dairy farming. These areas have suitable climates, abundant pasturelands, and infrastructure for milk production. Dairy farms produce milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products.
• Livestock Ranching: The Great Plains, including states like Texas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, are known for their vast cattle ranches. The open grasslands provide ample grazing areas for cattle. These regions also have feedlots where cattle are fattened before slaughter. Pork production is prominent in states like Iowa, North Carolina, and Minnesota.
• Specialty Crops: Various regions specialize in growing specific crops. For example, Florida is known for its citrus fruits, Idaho for potatoes, and Napa Valley in California for wine grapes. Different states also have favorable conditions for growing vegetables, nuts, berries, and other specialty crops.

The map below illustrates the predominant agricultural commodities in each state.

The most valuable agricultural commodity

In the United States, the most valuable agricultural commodity in terms of total production value is typically corn (corn is technically a grain). Corn is widely cultivated across the country and has a diverse range of uses, including animal feed, ethanol production, and various food and industrial applications. The United States is the world’s largest producer and exporter of corn, with major corn-growing states including Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

Nevertheless, each state has its own most profitable crop.

The most lucrative food crop

The map below created by huffingtonpost shows the most lucrative crop in each U.S. state.

The most lucrative food crop in the United States can vary depending on factors such as market demand, pricing, and production costs. However, some of the food crops that have traditionally been considered lucrative in terms of profitability and economic value include:

• Almonds: Almonds have experienced significant growth in demand due to their nutritional benefits and versatility. California is the primary almond-producing state in the U.S., and the crop has been highly profitable for farmers in recent years.
• Pistachios: Similar to almonds, pistachios have seen a rise in demand and profitability. California is the dominant producer of pistachios in the U.S., and the crop has become increasingly valuable for farmers in the state.
• Apples: Apples are a widely grown fruit in various regions of the United States, including states like Washington, New York, Michigan, and California. Apples are profitable for farmers due to their versatility in the fresh fruit market, as well as for processing into products like apple juice, applesauce, and pies.
• Berries: Various types of berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, have gained popularity and profitability in recent years. These fruits are in high demand due to their health benefits and are cultivated in several states, including California, Florida, Oregon, and Washington.
• Leafy Greens: Leafy greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and kale, have a consistent demand and high profitability due to their use in salads, smoothies, and as ingredients in various culinary preparations. States like California, Arizona, and Florida are major producers of leafy greens in the U.S.

Top Agricultural Crop in Each U.S. State

The United States Cow Inventory

The United States is one of the largest producers of beef and dairy cattle. The cattle population in the U.S. was estimated to be around 94 million head in 2020.

Nebraska has the highest population density of cattle per square mile (83.4 head of cattle per square mile) .

The best farmland in the U.S.

The United States has several regions known for their fertile farmlands. The suitability of farmland varies based on factors such as climate, soil quality, water availability, and market conditions. Here are some regions often recognized for their productive farmlands:

• Midwest (Corn Belt): The Midwest region, including states like Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, and Kansas, is often referred to as the Corn Belt. It is known for its deep, rich soils and favorable climate for corn and soybean production. The Midwest is also well-suited for other crops like wheat and oats.
• California’s Central Valley: California’s Central Valley is renowned for its highly productive farmlands. The region benefits from fertile soils, a Mediterranean climate, and access to irrigation water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is a major producer of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dairy products.
• Pacific Northwest: The Pacific Northwest region, comprising states like Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, offers productive farmlands. The area benefits from a mild climate, ample rainfall, and diverse soil types. It is known for its production of apples, cherries, potatoes, wheat, and other crops.
• Mississippi Delta: The Mississippi Delta region, located in the southern United States, has fertile alluvial soils and a long growing season. It is particularly suitable for crops like cotton, rice, soybeans, corn, and various vegetables.
• Great Plains: The Great Plains region, stretching from Texas to North Dakota, offers extensive farmlands. It has fertile soils and a semi-arid to sub-humid climate. The region specializes in the production of wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum, and cattle ranching.
• Southeast: The Southeastern United States, including states like Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina, has fertile soils and a humid subtropical climate. The region is known for crops such as peanuts, tobacco, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and cotton.
• Northeast: The Northeastern region, including states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, has productive farmlands despite its smaller size. The area specializes in dairy farming, as well as the production of fruits, vegetables, and maple syrup.

The map below shows agricultural lands best suited for intensive food and crop production.

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