Ohio is a major agricultural state, situated along the western edge of the Corn Belt region. The state’s geography is characterized by expansive, fertile soils and a temperate climate with a long growing season. This combination supports a diverse range of agricultural activities, from vast commodity crop fields to specialized horticulture operations. The food and agriculture sector is the state’s largest industry, contributing approximately $124 billion to the economy annually.
Ohio’s Dominant Field Crops
The agricultural landscape of Ohio is largely defined by the production of commodity grains, often referred to as the “Big Three.” Corn and soybeans dominate the state’s planted acreage, forming the foundation of Ohio’s farm economy. The state ranks No. 5 nationally in soybean production, with farmers harvesting 4.73 million acres in 2023.
Soybeans are primarily processed into oil for human consumption and meal used in animal feed, representing Ohio’s top exported crop. Corn production is similarly substantial, with farmers harvesting 3.4 million acres for grain, yielding over 673 million bushels in 2023. Most corn is directed toward livestock and poultry feed, while a significant portion supports the manufacturing of ethanol.
Wheat, the third major grain, is primarily grown as soft red winter wheat. This wheat is favored for its lower protein content, making the flour ideal for use in pastries, cakes, and crackers. In 2023, Ohio’s winter wheat harvest totaled over 53 million bushels, placing the state at No. 10 nationally for this crop.
Key Horticultural and Specialty Products
Beyond the large-scale commodity grains, Ohio’s agriculture includes a significant sector dedicated to high-value horticultural and specialty products. The nursery and greenhouse industry is a major economic driver, with Ohio ranking seventh in the country for the total dollar value of crops sold. This sector focuses on producing ornamental plants, flowers, bedding plants, and turfgrass for landscape construction and maintenance.
The state’s floriculture output alone was valued at over $240 million in 2022. In addition to ornamental plants, farmers also produce various fresh market vegetables and fruits, including tomatoes, sweet corn, apples, peaches, and berries. These are often sold directly to consumers or local processors.
Grapes are another notable specialty crop, supporting a growing wine industry in the state. Ohio ranks among the top 10 states for wine production, with more than 425 licensed wine manufacturers utilizing the local harvest. Another unique product is maple syrup, where Ohio ranks eighth nationally.
Livestock and Dairy Production
Animal agriculture constitutes a major segment of Ohio’s farm economy, converting locally grown corn and soybeans into animal protein. The state is a powerhouse in egg production, ranking No. 2 in the United States. In 2023, Ohio poultry operations produced over 11.8 billion chicken eggs from an inventory of nearly 41 million layers.
Dairy production is also a significant enterprise, with Ohio ranking 12th in the nation for milk output. In 2023, the state’s dairy cattle inventory of approximately 250,000 head produced over 5.6 billion pounds of milk. This milk is used for fluid consumption and processing into various dairy products, with Ohio holding the No. 1 national ranking for Swiss cheese production.
The production of meat animals is centered on hogs and cattle, which rely heavily on the state’s abundant feed grains. Ohio ranks eighth in the nation for its hog and pig inventory, with approximately 2.6 million head. The state also maintains a substantial cattle and calf inventory, totaling 1.24 million head.