In recent years, around 71 million acres of corn were harvested for grain annually with average national grain yields ranging from 129 to 160 bushels/acre. About 80% of production occurs in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Corn is most frequently produced in rotation with soybeans.
Corn production costs vary widely averaging $1.08/bushel and $2.98/bushel for the 25% of producers with the lowest and highest costs respectively (year 2001).
Most corn produced in the U.S. is used as livestock feed. About 15% is exported and around 7% is used to produce sweeteners (e.g., high fructose corn syrup used in soft drinks). In 2005, about 19% of the corn was used to produce ethanol. New bioproducts made from corn include polylactic acid (biodegradable plastic) and 1,3-propanediol (used to produce Sorona®, a synthetic fabric).
Corn acres and corn yields have increased over time. Yield increases have averaged 1.8 bushels/ac/yr between 1965 and 2005 and are expected to continue in the future as a result of genetic, management, and equipment improvements.
New corn varieties with new or improved functions, more uniform functions, or decreased processing costs are also being developed to enhance the use of corn for bioenergy and bioproducts.