The agriculture industry is one of the biggest sectors in America and contains a variety of different elements, including farming, food service, and food production. But what exactly are we known for, and what products are most desired?
Well, in this article, we are going to discuss six top agriculture industries in the U.S. Interested? Then let’s get started!
Soybean
Part of the legume family, soybeans are primarily used in livestock feed and vegetable oils. However, a short percentage is also used in food products, including tofu and soymilk. They are a complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids. As of 2020, it was predicted that U.S. soy production would likely be the second-largest crop in the United States, even though it has been in a volatile period over the past five years.
Corn
Certainly, one of the most well-known agriculture industries, corn is the most widely processed feed grain in the U.S. Used in livestock feed, ethanol, alcohol, sweeteners, and oil, it is certainly a diverse product. Throughout the past years, there has been a small decline in revenue due to a decrease in global demand. However, the recent pandemic has caused a rebound, and things are starting to look up again.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most used textiles, and U.S. comes third in production of it. With a market size of 7 billion, it is expected to continue growing with more and more businesses coming on board. Most crops are grown in southern and western states due to the climate and land conditions, and the U.S. is also ranked as the world’s top exporter. With a rich history, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for this fluffy fiber.
Rice
One of the world’s most primary staples, rice, is produced across the globe; however, it is still part of a major agricultural industry in the U.S. While China and India are the largest consumers, the U.S. counts for around 10% of all exports. Each type, which consists of short, medium, and long-grain, are all grown in the southern U.S. and California, with six states making up to 99% of production.
Tree Nuts
Generating an average of $25 billion in farm cash receipts annually, tree nuts, which include almonds, hazelnuts, pistachios, and walnuts, make up a significant part of agricultural commodities. However, it is facing a decline due to foreign imports. While the industry’s fate is still uncertain, certain specific crops of more popular nut types are still doing well.
Fruit
The U.S. grows a variety of different fruit trees and shrubs that contribute to over $25 billion in farm cash receipts, according to agamerica.com. Bananas, apples, strawberries, and grapes are some of the top-selling varieties, but the list can go on and on. Much like the other industries on this list, foreign imports are increasing; however, we have still seen steady growth.
And that’s it! These were the six top agriculture industries in the United States. Other honorable mentions include cow’s milk, wheat, vegetables, and meat.
