Corn Harvesting: Best Places to Grow Corn in the U.S.

Corn is one of the leading agricultural exports of the United States. According to Brownfield, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says corn production topped 15.342 billion bushels in 2023, averaging 177.3 bushels per acre—an amazing accomplishment given last year’s drought.

This particular grain has many uses. In the U.S., it is primarily used for livestock feed and ethanol, while the corn we import from Mexico is used in some of our food and beverages. To meet rising demands due to its number of applications, more and more farmers are choosing to plant corn, even in areas where it may not grow as well.

Below, we’ll explore where corn is grown in the U.S., most challenging areas of corn production by state, factors of corn growth, and how you can start harvesting this American crop on your land.

Where Is Corn Grown in the U.S.?

The ideal climate and soil needed to grow U.S. corn is found in the Midwest, including corn-producing states like Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The top two corn-producing states are Iowa and Illinois, accounting for nearly one-third of this American crop, according to the Economic Research Service for the USDA.

Where Is Corn the Hardest to Grow in the U.S.?

Corn is harvested in every U.S. state. However, there are a few areas where corn is notably left off corn crop reports due to limited production based on state size, soil, or climate. These include states like:

• Alaska

• Hawaii

• Nevada

• Vermont

• New Hampshire

• Maine

• Massachusetts

• Rhode Island

• Connecticut

While corn can be grown in each of the states listed above, you may want to consider where and when you plant corn, as well as any additives you may need for the soil. The links above contain specific tips by state.

One of the more well-known corn-producing states that has had a harder time meeting their quota during the growing season is Missouri. While part of the Midwest and a previous producer of corn, Missouri has struggled in recent years due to summer droughts.

What Makes Corn Grow So Well?

The Soil

The soil needs to be deep, well-drained, of a certain texture, and composed of organic matter the plants need to thrive. Eco Farming Daily explains that high humus content found in the soil makes for a good crop because it helps the soil soak up more moisture and hold it during periods of drought.

The Climate

The second factor that contributes most significantly to where corn is grown in the U.S. is climate. According to Eco Farming Daily, corn grows best in warm, sunny weather with intermittent rains and at least 130 or more frost-free days.

However, it’s important to note that corn can be grown in nearly every state, which we’ll explain in more detail below; it’s just that these states, in particular, have the best conditions for growing it.

How to Start Planting and Harvesting Corn

Thanks to the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, you can actually grow whichever crop you’d like based on what is most profitable. And because of technological advancements to our seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery, as well as our production practices, using reduced tillage, irrigation, crop rotations, and pest management, corn can grow in nontraditional areas, as noted by the Economic Research Service of the USDA.

To get started planting and harvesting corn where you are, there are a few steps you should follow, as explained by Nebraska CornBoard:

1. Select the Right Seeds and Get the Proper Equipment.

   You will need seed varieties that work well in your soil and climate and the proper equipment to plant and harvest them. This equipment includes:

   • Tillers or Plows

   • Planter

   • Tractor

   • Corn Picker or Combine

2. Wait Until the Last Frost.

   Before you prepare the soil or start planting, you’ll want to wait until after the last frost of the season where you are located.

3. Till or Plow Your Field to Prepare to Plant.

   The first step you’ll want to take before you plant and harvest corn is preparing the soil. Most farmers till or plow their field. Find out about the pros and cons of each method in the video below.
4. Make Sure the Soil Is Warm Enough.

   The soil should be at least warmer than 50 degrees for more than 48 hours before planting seed.

5. Use a Planter to Plant the Seeds.

   This will need to be attached to a special tractor, but this tool will evenly space out the seeds and plant them at the correct depth.

6. Give Seeds the Right Amount of Water.

   Not enough and they won’t grow. Too much and they won’t grow. Corn needs an inch of water each week to keep the soil moist.

7. Harvest Your Crop.

   Harvesting season varies by state. See specific harvesting dates for your state to know when to start harvesting. There are two different methods you can use for harvesting: using a corn picker or combine.

   See how a combine works below:

   See how a corn picker works to pick ears of corn:

We hope you have a successful harvest this year as you begin corn production! Make sure you are prepared for the season with the right equipment.

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