Missouri, positioned within the Midwest farming belt, benefits from a diverse environment that supports a wide range of agricultural products. The state’s geography transitions from the northern plains, suitable for row crops, to the southern Ozark plateau, which is better suited for forage and livestock. The unique, fertile alluvial soils of the southeastern “Bootheel” region also allow for specialized production. This combination of varied climate and soil types results in a robust and diverse farming sector.
Missouri’s Dominant Field Crops
Soybeans and corn are the dominant leaders in Missouri’s agricultural landscape, dominating the state’s acreage and economic value. Soybeans consistently rank as the top crop by both planted area and total value, with farmers annually dedicating over five million acres to this commodity. The crop’s value is split between its two main components: high-protein meal and oil.
Soybean meal is a foundational ingredient in animal feed, especially for the state’s substantial poultry and hog industries. Soybean oil serves a dual purpose, used for human food products like cooking oil and margarine, and fueling the state’s growing biodiesel industry. This demand from both the livestock and renewable fuel sectors makes soybeans a crucial commodity for Missouri’s economy.
Corn is the second most valuable crop, with typical planting covering several million acres annually. Its usage is heavily concentrated in two major areas: livestock feed and ethanol production. Corn forms a substantial part of the diet for Missouri’s beef cattle, hogs, and poultry, directly supporting the state’s large animal agriculture sector.
The state’s ethanol plants convert a significant portion of the corn harvest into fuel-grade ethanol. This process also generates a beneficial co-product called distillers grains. This protein-rich feed supplement is returned to the livestock industry. This interconnected system links corn production directly to both the biofuel market and the feed supply chain.
Essential Grains and Forage
Beyond the two major row crops, hay and wheat play important, secondary roles in the state’s agricultural output. Hay is the most widely produced crop by acreage, with millions of acres dedicated to forage production for grazing and cutting. This widespread production reflects Missouri’s standing as a leading livestock state, particularly in beef cow-calf operations.
Hay, including varieties like alfalfa and various grasses, serves as the foundational feed source for cattle, especially in the less tillable regions of central and southern Missouri. This forage production is directly tied to the health of the state’s livestock industry, providing necessary nutrition throughout the year. The majority of hay is consumed on the farms where it is grown.
Soft red winter wheat is an important grain crop, and Missouri is frequently ranked among the top states for its production. This wheat is planted in the fall, providing a winter cover that helps with soil health and serves as a valuable rotational crop with soybeans. It is primarily used in domestic food production for products requiring a softer texture, such as cakes, cookies, and crackers.
Regionally Important Specialty Crops
Cotton and rice production are highly concentrated in the southeastern lowlands, an area known as the “Bootheel.” This region’s deep, fertile alluvial soils and readily available irrigation water create a specialized environment suitable for these warm-weather crops. Missouri cotton, primarily upland cotton, is valued for its quality and contributes to the state’s position as a top cotton producer nationally.
Rice production in the Bootheel is substantial, focusing on long-grain varieties for domestic and international markets. Horticultural products also add significant value, with crops like grapes, peaches, and various commercial vegetables grown outside the major row crop areas. The state has a growing wine industry, with grapes often processed into high-value products through local wineries. Specialty fruits and vegetables, including melons, pumpkins, and elderberries, contribute to the local food system and agritourism.