Missouri is an agriculturally diverse state, situated at the intersection of the U.S. Corn Belt and an agricultural transition zone. This unique geographical positioning allows for a broad range of crop production. Agriculture is a primary driver of the state’s economy, with nearly 88,000 farms cultivating a wide variety of commodities. This massive industry is valued at nearly $94 billion, balancing high-volume commodity production with specialized regional crops.
Missouri’s Primary Field Crops
Missouri’s agricultural landscape is defined by the large-scale production of row crops, primarily soybeans and corn. These two crops cover the largest acreage and form the backbone of the state’s commodity exports and feed supply. Farmers dedicate over six million acres to soybeans, making it the most harvested crop by area. Soybeans provide oil for human consumption and meal for livestock feed, supporting the state’s extensive cattle, hog, and poultry operations.
Corn production is also vast, with farmers planting approximately 3.7 million acres annually. This grain corn is utilized in the production of ethanol and as a high-energy component in animal feed. Another foundational crop is hay, including alfalfa and other forages grown across several million acres. Hay production is intrinsically linked to Missouri’s large beef cattle industry. Winter wheat is also integrated into a double-cropping system, where soybeans are planted immediately after the wheat harvest to maximize land use.
Specialized Regional and Horticultural Products
Beyond the major row crops, distinct geographical areas support high-value and regionally specialized agriculture. The southeastern “Bootheel” region, part of the Mississippi Delta, offers unique alluvial soils that support crops not typically found elsewhere. This area is a significant producer of both cotton and rice. Missouri ranks as one of the top cotton-producing states, with up to 400,000 acres of upland cotton concentrated in the Bootheel.
The Bootheel is also home to Missouri’s entire commercial rice production, often exceeding 190,000 acres annually. Farmers cultivate long-grain and specialty varieties that thrive in the clay-rich Delta soils. Horticultural products also contribute significant value, moving toward direct consumption rather than large-scale commodities. Missouri has a growing wine industry, with grapes cultivated along the Missouri River, alongside high-value crops like apples, peaches, and various commercial vegetables. These specialty crops demand intensive management but capture a higher price point than staple grains.
Geographic and Climatic Influences on Crop Selection
The diverse range of Missouri’s agriculture results directly from its varied geology and climate. The state sits within a humid continental climate zone, characterized by warm, wet summers and a reliable growing season of around 180 days. This climate is conducive to the growth of both temperate and southern-adapted crops.
Glaciers shaped the northern and central parts of the state, resulting in deep, fertile soils perfectly suited for corn and soybean production. In contrast, the southern portion is dominated by the unglaciated Ozark Highlands. Here, the thin, rocky soils limit extensive row cropping, making the terrain more suitable for forage production and livestock grazing.
River systems play a pivotal role, with the Missouri and Mississippi rivers creating wide floodplains. The southeastern Bootheel benefits from rich alluvial soil deposited by the Mississippi River. This deep, flat, and nutrient-rich soil, combined with a high water table, creates the ideal environment for water-intensive crops.