Did you know that Illinois is the 2nd highest corn-producing state in the nation? Celebrate National Corn on the Cob Day and support Illinois farmers today by enjoying locally-grown corn!
Illinois Corn Facts
- Illinois is home to 11 million acres dedicated to corn production across the state. (Each acre is about the size of a football field.)
- Illinois ranks No. 2 in the nation for corn production.
- In 2020, Illinois corn production generated more than $7 billion in cash receipts.
- About 95% of corn farms in America are family-owned.
- Almost 98% of corn grown in Illinois is field corn, the kind used to feed livestock and produce snacks and other products. Sweet corn accounts for about 2%.
- Illinois farmers also grow popcorn. The state ranks No. 3 in the nation for popcorn production.
- There are more than 4,200 uses for corn, ranging from livestock feed and ethanol to cornbread and soda to latex paint and diapers.
- There are 56 pounds in a bushel of corn, about the weight of a large bag of dog food.
- On average, there are 800 kernels on an ear of corn and 72,800 kernels in a bushel of corn.
Sources: National Agricultural Statistics Service, National Corn Growers Association
