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What is the biggest crop in PA?

Published in Crop Production 2 mins read

Based on available agricultural data, Corn is the biggest crop in Pennsylvania by planted acreage.

Corn is a dominant agricultural commodity in Pennsylvania, cultivated extensively across the state for various uses including grain and silage. Its significant planted acreage highlights its importance to the state's agricultural landscape.

Corn Acreage in Pennsylvania

According to recent agricultural overviews, Corn leads in terms of planted acreage. The total area dedicated to corn cultivation, combining both grain and silage purposes, makes it the crop with the largest footprint in Pennsylvania's farming sector.

The following table summarizes key data for corn and other listed commodities:

Commodity Planted All Purpose Acres Production
CORN 1,040,000
CORN, GRAIN 106,760,000 BU
CORN, SILAGE 6,900,000 TONS
SOYBEANS

Note: Acreage data for other commodities like Soybeans were not specified in the provided reference.

Significance of Corn Production

The extensive cultivation of corn in Pennsylvania supports various agricultural activities and industries:

  • Livestock Feed: A significant portion of corn production, both grain and silage, is utilized as feed for livestock, particularly dairy cows, beef cattle, and poultry, which are prominent in Pennsylvania's agricultural economy.
  • Biofuel Production: Corn grain can also be used in the production of ethanol, contributing to the renewable energy sector.
  • Industrial Uses: Corn derivatives are used in a wide range of industrial products, including starches, sweeteners, and various processed foods.

The large-scale planting of corn underscores its foundational role in Pennsylvania's diverse and productive agricultural industry. For more detailed agricultural statistics, you can refer to comprehensive state agriculture overviews provided by organizations like the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.