Biggest Agricultural Products Of The United States
Agriculture has been a vital part of the U.S. economy for generations, and today it’s still one of the nation’s major economic drivers. There is an incredible variety of food produced in the United States, including meat, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains, and other crops. So, what are the largest agricultural products of the United States?
Grains
The United States is one of the world’s largest producers of grains, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the world’s total grain production. One of the biggest crops in the United States is corn, which is primarily used to feed livestock and also to produce ethanol, as well as sweeteners, starches, and food ingredients. The U.S. is also one of the world’s largest producers of rice. Other significant grain crops produced in the U.S. include oats, wheat, and barley.
Cotton
Cotton has long been a major agricultural crop in the United States, and the country is currently the world’s fourth-largest producer of cotton behind China, India, and Pakistan. Cotton is used for a wide variety of products, from clothing and home furnishings to medical and industrial products. The U.S. is also a major exporter of cotton and is the world’s largest exporter of upland cotton, which accounts for over 90 percent of global cotton exports.
Livestock
The United States is the world’s largest producer and exporter of livestock products. Livestock products include meat, dairy, eggs, and other animal products, such as wool and honey. In total, the U.S. produces approximately 20 percent of the world’s beef, over 15 percent of the world’s pork, and about 4 percent of the world’s poultry products. The majority of U.S. livestock is raised on family farms, and the nation’s beef production is relatively evenly split between pasture-based and feedlot-based production systems.
Vegetables
The United States is the largest producer and exporter of vegetables in the world, accounting for over 25 percent of global vegetable production and over 20 percent of global vegetable exports. Most of the vegetables produced in the U.S. are consumed domestically, but some are exported to foreign markets. Major vegetable crops grown in the U.S. include potatoes, tomatoes, sweet corn, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and lettuce.
Fruits
Like vegetables, the United States is the world’s leading producer and exporter of fruits and nuts. The U.S. produces over 17 percent of the world’s total fruits and nuts and exports over 15 percent of its domestically produced fruits and nuts. Major fruit and nut crops grown in the U.S. include apples, oranges, grapes, almonds, walnuts, pecans, and pistachios.
Soybeans
Soybeans are another significant crop produced in the United States. The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and exporter of soybeans, accounting for two-thirds of the world’s total production and over half of global exports. The majority of soybeans produced in the U.S. are crushed to produce meal and oil, though some are used directly for human consumption.
Wheat
Wheat is one of the most important grains produced in the United States, and the nation is the third-largest producer and exporter of wheat in the world. On a global scale, the U.S. produces over 10 percent of the world’s total wheat production and exports nearly 17 percent of its domestically produced wheat. Major types of wheat grown in the United States include winter wheat, durum wheat, and spring wheat.
Tobacco
Tobacco is another major U.S. agricultural product, and the United States is the world’s third-largest producer of tobacco after China and India. The majority of U.S.-produced tobacco is exported to foreign markets, primarily in Europe. In addition to export markets, the U.S. tobacco market is also significant, with nearly 11 percent of Americans aged 18 and older consuming cigarettes on a daily basis.
Agriculture has been a huge part of the U.S. economy for many generations, and today, the country is a major producer of a variety of agricultural products. The biggest agricultural products of the United States include grains, cotton, livestock, vegetables, fruits, soybeans, wheat, and tobacco. All of these products play a vital role in the U.S. economy and help to feed the nation’s growing population.