Corn Facts
Minnesota is among the largest producers of corn in the U.S. Learn more about corn, the largest crop grown in the state, and how it serves as a vital economic driver benefitting all Minnesotans.
Know Your Corn
Dent Corn
More commonly known as field corn, makes up the vast majority of corn grown in Minnesota.
Sweet Corn
The sweet corn we find at the grocery store makes up less than 1% of corn grown nationally.
Other Types
Other corn varieties include popcorn and flint corn.
2025 Corn Production in Minnesota
8.90
Million
Acres Planted
8.45
Million
Acres Harvested
201 Bushels
Per Acre
Average Yield
2025 National Corn Production
Over half of U.S. corn production comes from the top-four producing states:
Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
98.8
Million Acres
Planted
17
Billion Bushels
Total Production
186.5
Bushels Per Acre
Average Yield
Source: USDA
Over half of U.S. corn production comes from the top-four producing states: Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
94.6
Million Acres Planted
15.3
Billion Bushels Total Production
177.3
Bushels Per Acre Average Yield
93
Million Acres Harvested
Source: USDA
Components of Dent Corn
3.8% Corn Oil
A popular cooking oil with additional uses in a variety of consumer products
62% Corn Starch
The main ingredient in the production of ethanol, and also found in more than 4,000 non-food products
19.2% Protein and Fiber
The components that fill the nutritional needs for livestock
15% Moisture
Most corn is harvested when about 15 percent of its weight is due to moisture
3.8% Corn Oil
A popular cooking oil with additional uses in a variety of consumer products
62% Corn Starch
The main ingredient in the production of ethanol, and also found in more than 4,000 non-food products
19.2% Protein and Fiber
The components that fill the nutritional needs for livestock
15% Moisture
Most corn is harvested when about 15 percent of its weight is due to moisture
Minnesota Corn Exports
Minnesota is the fourth-largest exporter of corn in the U.S.
$1.69 billion value of corn exported
Corn is Minnesota’s second-largest ag export commodity
Top Five Markets for Minnesota-Grown Corn
Sources: USDA and Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Top Uses for Corn In the United States
Sources: USDA; ProExporter Network
Ethanol: 29.6%
Minnesota is the fifth largest ethanol producer in the nation.
Livestock Feed: 37.9%
Livestock fed by corn (in order): Beef, poultry, pork and dairy cows
Exports: 13.8%
The value of Minnesota’s corn exports more than doubled since 2005
Consumer Products: 4,000+
Corn is also used in over 4,000 consumer products such as batteries, crayons, makeup, carpet and tennis shoes.
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Stay informed on the latest in ag policy, research, upcoming events, and more with Leader Update, the official weekly e-newsletter of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
