Missouri’s geography acts as a transition zone between the Midwest’s fertile plains and the rugged Ozark highlands. This position grants the state a diverse climate and soil capable of supporting a broad range of crops, from commodity grains to specialized orchard fruits. Agriculture is a foundational element of the state’s economy, contributing billions of dollars annually and covering over half of Missouri’s total land area. Output varies significantly; the glaciated northern plains provide rich soil for row crops, while the alluvial deposits of the southeastern Bootheel region enable the cultivation of crops typically associated with the Deep South.
Missouri’s Primary Field Crops
The state’s agricultural identity is dominated by the cultivation of two major commodities: soybeans and corn. These crops represent the most significant portion of cultivated acreage, reflecting their economic value and suitability for Missouri’s growing season. Farmers recently harvested approximately six million acres of soybeans and 3.7 million acres of corn.
Soybeans are primarily processed for their oil content and as high-protein feed for livestock, generating substantial farm receipts. The crop is widely grown, especially in the rich bottomland soils of the northern and central regions. Corn serves multiple industrial purposes, including use in food products, animal feed, and ethanol production.
Winter wheat is the third major grain crop, most notably the Soft Red Winter Wheat variety. This wheat is distinguished by its low protein content, making it ideal for milling into flour used in cakes, crackers, and pastries. Wheat is typically planted in the fall and harvested in late spring or early summer, allowing some farmers to use it in a double-crop system with soybeans.
Secondary and Industrial Commodities
Missouri cultivates several specialized commodities that support the state’s extensive livestock industry. Hay production, primarily fescue and alfalfa, is a large-scale endeavor, placing Missouri among the top states nationally for this forage crop. Hay is integral to the significant beef cattle sector, providing sustenance during the winter months.
The southeastern corner of the state, known as the Bootheel, possesses a distinct environment characterized by rich alluvial soil from the Mississippi River Delta. This region allows for the localized cultivation of fiber and specialty grain crops, including cotton. Due to the flat fields and accessible aquifer for irrigation, the Bootheel is one of the top cotton-producing regions in the nation, known for its high-quality upland cotton.
Rice is another crop grown almost exclusively in the irrigated fields of this southeastern region. Missouri’s rice production focuses mainly on long-grain varieties and contributes millions of dollars to the state’s economy. The specific soil types and available water in the Bootheel limit rice cultivation primarily to this section of the state.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Local Specialties
Missouri’s diverse climate supports a vibrant sector of high-value horticulture, particularly in orchards and vineyards across the Ozark region and along the Missouri River bluffs. Commercial apple production, often paired with peaches, utilizes specialized rootstocks and high-density trellis systems to maximize yield. Other common fruits include strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, often sold directly to consumers through local markets.
The state has a long history of viticulture, dating back to the mid-19th century, and was the site of the first federally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA), the Augusta region. Due to cold winters and humid conditions, the industry relies heavily on hardy French-American hybrid grapes and native American varieties, which offer disease resistance.
Prominent varieties include:
- The red Norton (or Cynthiana), which is the state grape.
- The versatile white hybrids Vignoles and Vidal Blanc.
- Chambourcin, a red hybrid used to make a medium-bodied wine.
- Catawba, a pink grape often used for rosé and blush wines.
In addition to fruits, local vegetable production focuses on crops like tomatoes, sweet corn, and watermelons, the latter being a localized specialty in the Bootheel region.