The United States grows a huge share of the world's food. But not every crop grows everywhere. Farmers grow what the climate and soil of their land suit best.
Key idea
Leaders: Iowa and Illinois in corn (and soybeans), Kansas and North Dakota in wheat, Texas in cotton and cattle, Idaho in potatoes, California in fruits, nuts and vegetables, Washington in apples and Wisconsin in milk and cheese.
Why it works
Why does each crop have its place? Corn needs warm, wet summers and deep soil, like the Central Lowland's. Wheat needs less rain, so it fits the drier Great Plains. Oranges die in hard freezes, so they grow where winters are mild, like Florida and California. Potatoes do well in Idaho's volcanic soil, with cool nights and river water for irrigation. Climate and soil decide; farmers follow.
Worked example: The Corn Belt
Why are Iowa and Illinois the top corn states, and not Nevada?
- Corn needs a lot of summer rain and warm days.
- Iowa and Illinois have hot, wet summers and deep, rich soil.
- Nevada is a desert, too dry for corn without irrigation.
Answer: Their climate and soil suit corn.
Common mistake
People think one state grows everything. Crops follow climate and soil, so each region has its specialties. Rankings also shift from year to year: Kansas and North Dakota trade first place in wheat, and in 2022 North Dakota led.