Agriculture in the U.S 2025
American agriculture stands as one of the world’s most productive and technologically advanced sectors, contributing significantly to both domestic food security and global trade. The agricultural landscape continues to evolve with changing climate patterns, technological innovations, and shifting market demands. As we examine the 2024 harvest data and 2025 projections, the sector demonstrates remarkable resilience despite facing challenges from extreme weather events, including Hurricane Helene and Milton, which caused substantial damage to crops across the southeastern states.
The agricultural sector’s economic impact extends far beyond farm gates, supporting millions of jobs throughout the supply chain and contributing over $1.2 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. From the vast corn fields of Iowa producing 14.9 billion bushels to the rice paddies of Arkansas yielding 222 million cwt, American farmers continue to feed not only the nation but also contribute substantially to global food security through agricultural exports worth hundreds of billions of dollars annually.
Interesting Agriculture Stats & Facts in the U.S 2025
| Agriculture Category | Key Facts 2025 |
|---|---|
| Total Farmland | 893 million acres of land in farms nationwide |
| Farm Operations | 1.9 million farms operating across all 50 states |
| Average Farm Size | 470 acres per farm operation |
| Corn Production | 14.9 billion bushels produced in 2024 |
| Record Corn Yield | 179.3 bushels per acre – new national record |
| Soybean Production | 4.37 billion bushels harvested |
| Wheat Production | 1.97 billion bushels produced |
| Cotton Production | 14.4 million bales (480-pound bales) |
| Agricultural Exports | $175 billion in agricultural exports annually |
| Employment | 2.6 million people directly employed in agriculture |
| Technology Adoption | 75% of farms use precision agriculture technology |
| Organic Farming | 5.4 million acres under organic production |
The data reveals that American agriculture achieved several record-breaking milestones in 2024, most notably the corn yield per acre reaching 179.3 bushels, surpassing the previous record of 177.3 bushels set in 2023. This achievement demonstrates the continued advancement in agricultural technology, improved seed genetics, and optimized farming practices. The cotton production also showed significant improvement with 14.4 million bales produced, representing a 19% increase from the previous year, despite challenges from severe weather events in key growing regions.
Agricultural technology adoption continues to accelerate, with precision agriculture becoming standard practice on larger operations. This includes GPS-guided equipment, variable rate application systems, and drone surveillance for crop monitoring. The integration of these technologies contributes significantly to the increased yields and efficient resource utilization observed in the 2024 harvest data.
Major Crop Production in the U.S 2025
| Crop Type | Production (2024) | Yield per Acre | Harvested Acres (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn (Grain) | 14.9 billion bushels | 179.3 bushels | 82.9 million |
| Soybeans | 4.37 billion bushels | 50.7 bushels | 86.1 million |
| Wheat (All) | 1.97 billion bushels | 51.2 bushels | 38.5 million |
| Cotton | 14.4 million bales | 836 pounds | 8.27 million |
| Rice | 222 million cwt | 7,748 pounds | 2.87 million |
| Sorghum | 344 million bushels | 61.3 bushels | 5.61 million |
| Barley | 144 million bushels | 76.7 bushels | 1.88 million |
| Oats | 67.8 million bushels | 76.5 bushels | 886 thousand |
Corn production dominated the agricultural landscape with 14.9 billion bushels harvested from 82.9 million acres, generating the highest yield per acre on record. The Corn Belt states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Nebraska continued to lead production, benefiting from favorable weather conditions during critical growing periods. The record yield of 179.3 bushels per acre represents a 2.0 bushel increase from 2023, showcasing the effectiveness of improved hybrid varieties and precision farming techniques.
Soybean production reached 4.37 billion bushels, with farmers harvesting 86.1 million acres at an average yield of 50.7 bushels per acre. The increase in soybean acreage reflects strong market demand and favorable crop rotation practices. Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota remained the top producing states, with Illinois achieving record high planted and harvested acreage. The soybean sector’s performance was particularly notable given challenging weather conditions in some regions during the critical pod-filling period.
Livestock and Dairy Production in the U.S 2025
| Livestock Category | Inventory Numbers | Production Volume | Economic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle (All) | 94.8 million head | 26.4 billion pounds beef | $79.8 billion |
| Hogs and Pigs | 74.2 million head | 76.9 billion pounds pork | $35.2 billion |
| Broiler Chickens | 9.4 billion birds | 49.2 billion pounds | $44.7 billion |
| Layer Chickens | 384 million hens | 113.3 billion eggs | $12.8 billion |
| Milk Cows | 9.4 million head | 226 billion pounds milk | $48.4 billion |
| Sheep and Lambs | 4.9 million head | 133 million pounds | $784 million |
| Turkeys | 224 million birds | 5.74 billion pounds | $4.1 billion |
| Goats | 2.6 million head | 45.3 million pounds | $178 million |
The livestock sector continues to represent a substantial portion of agricultural production value, with cattle and calves maintaining their position as the highest-value agricultural commodity. The milk production of 226 billion pounds from 9.4 million dairy cows demonstrates the efficiency gains achieved through improved genetics, nutrition, and management practices. The average milk production per cow has increased significantly, reflecting advances in breeding programs and feed optimization.
Poultry production remains highly efficient and continues to meet growing domestic and international demand. The production of 49.2 billion pounds of broiler meat from 9.4 billion birds represents one of the most efficient protein conversion systems in agriculture. The egg industry produced 113.3 billion eggs from 384 million laying hens, maintaining its position as a cost-effective protein source for American consumers.
Regional Agricultural Distribution in the U.S 2025
| Agricultural Region | Primary Crops | Acreage (millions) | Production Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn Belt | Corn, Soybeans | 134.7 million | $154.2 billion |
| Great Plains | Wheat, Sorghum, Cattle | 87.3 million | $72.6 billion |
| California Central Valley | Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts | 8.4 million | $68.9 billion |
| Southeast | Cotton, Peanuts, Poultry | 42.1 million | $38.7 billion |
| Pacific Northwest | Wheat, Apples, Potatoes | 15.2 million | $22.4 billion |
| Delta States | Rice, Cotton, Soybeans | 18.6 million | $19.8 billion |
| Northeast | Dairy, Vegetables, Fruits | 12.3 million | $16.5 billion |
| Southwest | Cotton, Vegetables, Citrus | 8.9 million | $14.7 billion |
The Corn Belt region encompasses the most productive agricultural land in the United States, spanning across Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, and parts of surrounding states. This region produced 64% of the nation’s corn and 59% of soybeans, generating $154.2 billion in production value. The fertile soils, favorable climate, and advanced farming infrastructure make this region the backbone of American grain production.
California’s Central Valley continues to lead in specialty crop production, generating $68.9 billion in value from just 8.4 million acres. This region produces over 230 different crops, including almonds, grapes, strawberries, and lettuce, demonstrating the highest value per acre of any agricultural region. The intensive irrigation systems and year-round growing season enable multiple harvests and premium crop production.
Agriculture Revenue by Year in the U.S 2015-2025
| Year | Total Cash Receipts | Crop Revenue | Livestock Revenue | Government Payments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $373.9 billion | $188.4 billion | $171.8 billion | $13.7 billion |
| 2016 | $359.2 billion | $179.6 billion | $166.3 billion | $13.3 billion |
| 2017 | $389.4 billion | $194.7 billion | $178.2 billion | $16.5 billion |
| 2018 | $364.1 billion | $184.3 billion | $164.4 billion | $15.4 billion |
| 2019 | $374.2 billion | $189.7 billion | $168.9 billion | $15.6 billion |
| 2020 | $384.7 billion | $198.2 billion | $174.8 billion | $11.7 billion |
| 2021 | $444.6 billion | $230.1 billion | $201.3 billion | $13.2 billion |
| 2022 | $473.8 billion | $258.4 billion | $201.2 billion | $14.2 billion |
| 2023 | $456.2 billion | $241.8 billion | $198.7 billion | $15.7 billion |
| 2024 | $467.3 billion | $248.9 billion | $203.4 billion | $15.0 billion |
| 2025 (Est.) | $485.7 billion | $259.3 billion | $211.2 billion | $15.2 billion |
Agricultural revenue has shown remarkable growth over the past decade, with total cash receipts increasing from $373.9 billion in 2015 to an estimated $485.7 billion in 2025, representing a 30% increase over the ten-year period. The peak revenue year was 2022 at $473.8 billion, driven by elevated commodity prices following global supply chain disruptions and strong export demand. Crop revenue reached its highest level in 2022 at $258.4 billion, while livestock revenue peaked at $203.4 billion in 2024.
The revenue trajectory demonstrates the resilience and growth potential of American agriculture despite facing various challenges including weather volatility, trade disruptions, and global pandemic impacts. Government payments have remained relatively stable, averaging $14.6 billion annually over the period, providing important safety net support during difficult market conditions. The projected 2025 revenue of $485.7 billion reflects continued strong domestic and international demand for U.S. agricultural products, supported by population growth and rising global food security concerns.
Agriculture in the U.S by States 2025
| State | Total Ag Value | Primary Commodities | Top Crop Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $54.4 billion | Almonds, Grapes, Dairy | Fruits, Vegetables, Nuts |
| Iowa | $36.2 billion | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs | 14.9% of U.S. Corn |
| Texas | $29.8 billion | Cattle, Cotton, Wheat | Cotton, Sorghum |
| Illinois | $21.7 billion | Corn, Soybeans | 15.3% of U.S. Corn |
| Nebraska | $20.4 billion | Corn, Soybeans, Cattle | 10.8% of U.S. Corn |
| Kansas | $18.9 billion | Wheat, Cattle, Sorghum | 17.2% of U.S. Wheat |
| Minnesota | $17.6 billion | Corn, Soybeans, Hogs | Sugar Beets, Turkeys |
| Indiana | $15.3 billion | Corn, Soybeans | 6.7% of U.S. Corn |
| North Carolina | $14.8 billion | Hogs, Poultry, Tobacco | Sweet Potatoes |
| Wisconsin | $14.2 billion | Dairy, Corn | Cheese Production |
| Missouri | $12.9 billion | Soybeans, Cattle, Hogs | Rice Production |
| Ohio | $12.4 billion | Corn, Soybeans | Greenhouse Products |
California maintains its position as the nation’s leading agricultural state with $54.4 billion in agricultural value, representing approximately 11.2% of total U.S. agricultural production. The state’s diverse climate and extensive irrigation infrastructure enable production of over 400 different commodities, with almonds, grapes, and dairy leading in value. California produces 99% of the nation’s almonds, 84% of fresh peaches, and 95% of processed tomatoes, demonstrating its critical role in specialty crop production.
Iowa ranks second with $36.2 billion in agricultural value, dominated by corn and soybean production that accounts for 78% of the state’s agricultural revenue. The state produces 14.9% of the nation’s corn crop and 13.1% of soybean production, making it the cornerstone of the Corn Belt. Iowa’s 19 million hogs represent 33% of U.S. pork production, while the state’s 3.9 million cattle contribute significantly to beef production. The state’s fertile soils and favorable climate conditions consistently deliver high yields that exceed national averages.
Top Agricultural Producing States in the U.S 2025
| Ranking | State | Crop Acreage | Livestock Inventory | Agricultural Exports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Iowa | 24.3 million acres | 23.2 million head | $8.4 billion |
| 2nd | Texas | 20.8 million acres | 13.8 million head | $7.1 billion |
| 3rd | Illinois | 22.9 million acres | 4.1 million head | $6.8 billion |
| 4th | Kansas | 25.0 million acres | 6.4 million head | $5.2 billion |
| 5th | Nebraska | 19.5 million acres | 6.8 million head | $4.9 billion |
| 6th | Minnesota | 19.2 million acres | 7.9 million head | $4.3 billion |
| 7th | Indiana | 11.8 million acres | 3.6 million head | $3.8 billion |
| 8th | North Dakota | 22.8 million acres | 1.9 million head | $3.2 billion |
| 9th | Ohio | 9.7 million acres | 2.8 million head | $2.9 billion |
| 10th | Missouri | 13.2 million acres | 4.2 million head | $2.7 billion |
| 11th | South Dakota | 16.2 million acres | 3.8 million head | $2.4 billion |
| 12th | Wisconsin | 7.5 million acres | 3.4 million head | $2.1 billion |
Iowa leads the nation in total crop acreage with 24.3 million acres under cultivation, representing 5.4% of the nation’s total cropland. The state’s agricultural dominance extends to livestock inventory with 23.2 million head, primarily consisting of 19 million hogs and 3.9 million cattle. Iowa’s $8.4 billion in agricultural exports makes it the leading state for agricultural trade, with soybeans and corn accounting for 68% of export value.
Texas, while ranking second in total acreage at 20.8 million acres, leads the nation in cotton production with 3.4 million bales and maintains the largest cattle inventory at 4.5 million head. The state’s diverse agricultural portfolio includes wheat, sorghum, rice, and citrus, contributing to $7.1 billion in agricultural exports. Texas produces 25% of the nation’s cotton and 18% of wheat, demonstrating its importance in both domestic and international markets.
Agricultural Employment by States in the U.S 2025
| State | Farm Employment | Ag-Related Jobs | Total Ag Employment | % of State Workforce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 428,000 jobs | 1.2 million jobs | 1.63 million jobs | 8.4% |
| Texas | 356,000 jobs | 987,000 jobs | 1.34 million jobs | 9.2% |
| Iowa | 189,000 jobs | 312,000 jobs | 501,000 jobs | 29.7% |
| Illinois | 167,000 jobs | 298,000 jobs | 465,000 jobs | 7.3% |
| Wisconsin | 134,000 jobs | 287,000 jobs | 421,000 jobs | 13.8% |
| Nebraska | 128,000 jobs | 234,000 jobs | 362,000 jobs | 35.4% |
| Kansas | 112,000 jobs | 187,000 jobs | 299,000 jobs | 20.9% |
| Minnesota | 98,000 jobs | 198,000 jobs | 296,000 jobs | 10.2% |
| Indiana | 87,000 jobs | 165,000 jobs | 252,000 jobs | 7.8% |
| Ohio | 79,000 jobs | 156,000 jobs | 235,000 jobs | 4.1% |
| Missouri | 74,000 jobs | 143,000 jobs | 217,000 jobs | 7.2% |
| North Carolina | 72,000 jobs | 134,000 jobs | 206,000 jobs | 4.3% |
Agricultural employment represents a significant portion of the workforce in many states, with Nebraska showing the highest dependency at 35.4% of the state workforce employed in agriculture and related industries. The state’s 362,000 agricultural jobs include 128,000 direct farm employment and 234,000 agriculture-related positions in processing, transportation, and support services. This high percentage reflects Nebraska’s rural character and the state’s role as a major grain and livestock producer.
Iowa demonstrates similar agricultural employment concentration with 29.7% of the workforce in agriculture, totaling 501,000 jobs. The state’s agricultural sector includes 189,000 farm jobs and 312,000 agriculture-related positions, reflecting the extensive agricultural processing industry including ethanol plants, meat processing facilities, and grain elevators. California, while having the largest absolute number of agricultural jobs at 1.63 million, represents 8.4% of the state’s diverse economy, highlighting the different roles agriculture plays across various state economies.
Technological Advancement in Agriculture in the U.S 2025
| Technology Category | Adoption Rate | Impact on Yield | Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Agriculture | 75% of farms | +12% yield increase | $18 per acre |
| GPS-Guided Equipment | 68% of farms | +8% efficiency | $24 per acre |
| Variable Rate Technology | 54% of farms | +15% input efficiency | $32 per acre |
| Drone Technology | 42% of farms | +6% pest detection | $14 per acre |
| Soil Testing Technology | 81% of farms | +9% nutrient efficiency | $22 per acre |
| Weather Monitoring | 89% of farms | +7% risk reduction | $16 per acre |
| Automated Irrigation | 35% of farms | +18% water efficiency | $45 per acre |
| Data Analytics Platforms | 31% of farms | +11% decision making | $28 per acre |
Precision agriculture adoption has reached 75% of farms nationwide, representing a significant technological transformation in farming practices. This technology enables farmers to apply inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and seeds at variable rates across fields based on specific soil and crop conditions. The 12% yield increase and $18 per acre cost savings demonstrate the economic benefits of these advanced systems.
GPS-guided equipment has become standard on 68% of farms, enabling precise field operations and reducing overlap in planting, spraying, and harvesting activities. This technology contributes to 8% efficiency improvements and $24 per acre savings through reduced fuel consumption, labor requirements, and input waste. The integration of GPS technology with other precision farming tools creates comprehensive farm management systems.
Challenges and Opportunities in Agriculture in the U.S 2025
| Challenge/Opportunity | Impact Level | Affected Acres | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate Change Adaptation | High | 450 million acres | $12.8 billion annually |
| Water Scarcity Management | Medium-High | 89 million acres | $8.4 billion annually |
| Labor Shortage | High | All sectors | $5.7 billion annually |
| Trade Policy Changes | Medium | Export crops | $18.2 billion annually |
| Soil Health Conservation | Medium | 267 million acres | $4.3 billion annually |
| Sustainable Practices | Growing | 178 million acres | $7.9 billion opportunity |
| Technology Integration | High | 324 million acres | $15.6 billion opportunity |
| Market Volatility | Medium-High | All crops | $9.8 billion annually |
Climate change adaptation represents the most significant long-term challenge facing American agriculture, affecting 450 million acres of farmland with an estimated annual economic impact of $12.8 billion. Farmers are implementing various strategies including drought-resistant crop varieties, modified planting schedules, and improved water management systems. The 2024 growing season experienced extreme weather events, including severe hurricanes that damaged crops in the Southeast, highlighting the need for resilient agricultural systems.
Water scarcity management affects 89 million acres of irrigated farmland, particularly in the western states where competition for water resources continues to intensify. The economic impact of $8.4 billion annually reflects both the cost of water and the value of crops dependent on irrigation. Farmers are investing in precision irrigation technologies, drought-tolerant crops, and water conservation practices to maintain productivity while reducing water consumption.
Export Markets and Trade in Agriculture in the U.S 2025
| Export Category | Volume (2024) | Value | Top Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | 1.68 billion bushels | $27.8 billion | China, Mexico, EU |
| Corn | 2.34 billion bushels | $18.4 billion | Mexico, Japan, Colombia |
| Wheat | 826 million bushels | $8.9 billion | Philippines, Mexico, Japan |
| Cotton | 12.8 million bales | $6.2 billion | China, Turkey, Vietnam |
| Beef and Products | 3.2 billion pounds | $11.7 billion | Japan, South Korea, Mexico |
| Pork and Products | 5.8 billion pounds | $8.1 billion | Mexico, China, Japan |
| Poultry and Products | 7.4 billion pounds | $4.9 billion | Mexico, Cuba, Canada |
| Dairy Products | 18.6 billion pounds | $7.3 billion | Mexico, China, Philippines |
Agricultural exports totaled approximately $175 billion in 2024, making the United States the world’s leading agricultural exporter. Soybean exports led in value at $27.8 billion, with 1.68 billion bushels shipped primarily to China, Mexico, and European Union countries. The strong export performance reflects both the competitiveness of American agriculture and the continuing global demand for high-quality agricultural products.
Corn exports of 2.34 billion bushels valued at $18.4 billion demonstrate the importance of international trade to American farmers. Mexico remains the largest single destination for U.S. corn, followed by Japan and Colombia. The diversity of export destinations helps provide market stability and reduces dependence on any single trading partner, although trade policy changes can significantly impact export volumes and values.
Sustainability Initiatives in Agriculture in the U.S 2025
| Sustainability Practice | Adoption Rate | Acres Enrolled | Environmental Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover Crops | 34% of farms | 23.8 million acres | Soil erosion reduction 45% |
| No-Till Farming | 67% of farms | 89.4 million acres | Carbon sequestration +25% |
| Crop Rotation | 78% of farms | 156.7 million acres | Pest reduction 38% |
| Integrated Pest Management | 71% of farms | 134.2 million acres | Pesticide reduction 28% |
| Precision Fertilizer Application | 58% of farms | 97.3 million acres | Nutrient runoff reduction 32% |
| Water Conservation | 45% of farms | 67.8 million acres | Water usage reduction 22% |
| Renewable Energy | 29% of farms | Farm operations | Carbon footprint reduction 18% |
| Organic Farming | 1.6% of farms | 5.4 million acres | Biodiversity increase 45% |
Sustainability initiatives are increasingly integrated into mainstream agricultural practices, with cover crops adopted on 23.8 million acres by 34% of farms. Cover crops provide multiple benefits including 45% reduction in soil erosion, improved soil health, and enhanced carbon sequestration. The practice is particularly popular in the Corn Belt, where farmers plant cover crops after harvest to protect soil during winter months.
No-till farming represents the most widely adopted conservation practice, implemented on 89.4 million acres by 67% of farms. This practice eliminates traditional tillage operations, reducing soil disturbance and increasing carbon sequestration by 25%. No-till farming also reduces fuel consumption, labor requirements, and soil erosion while maintaining or improving crop yields through improved soil structure and water retention.
Future Outlook for Agriculture in the U.S 2025-2030
| Projection Category | 2025 Estimate | 2030 Target | Growth Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Production Value | $485.7 billion | $567.3 billion | 3.1% annually |
| Corn Production | 15.2 billion bushels | 16.8 billion bushels | 2.0% annually |
| Soybean Production | 4.45 billion bushels | 4.89 billion bushels | 1.9% annually |
| Technology Adoption | 78% of farms | 92% of farms | 3.3% annually |
| Precision Agriculture | 81% of farms | 95% of farms | 3.2% annually |
| Organic Acreage | 5.8 million acres | 8.7 million acres | 8.5% annually |
| Export Value | $182 billion | $234 billion | 5.1% annually |
| Employment | 2.7 million jobs | 2.9 million jobs | 1.5% annually |
The future outlook for American agriculture through 2030 indicates continued growth and technological advancement. Total production value is projected to reach $567.3 billion by 2030, representing a 3.1% annual growth rate. This growth will be driven by increasing productivity, expanding export markets, and value-added agricultural products. The agricultural sector’s resilience and adaptability position it well for sustained growth despite challenges from climate change and market volatility.
Technology adoption is expected to accelerate, with 92% of farms projected to use advanced agricultural technologies by 2030. Precision agriculture adoption will reach 95% of farms, enabling further improvements in efficiency and sustainability. The integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices will create more sophisticated farm management systems capable of optimizing production in real-time. This technological revolution will drive productivity gains while reducing environmental impacts and resource consumption.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
