McLean County farmers have established themselves as the unrivaled champions of corn and soybean production, both within Illinois and across the nation. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), McLean County topped the charts for total production of both commodities in 2022, with an impressive harvest of nearly 71 million bushels of corn and 22 million bushels of soybeans.
The secret to McLean County's agricultural success lies in its exceptional soils, which owe their fertility to ancient glacial activity. The region's soils, formed by the Wisconsin Glacier over 20,000 years ago, are blessed with an abundance of organic matter, vital nutrients, and remarkable water-holding capacity. This favorable soil composition, combined with ample annual precipitation, provides ideal conditions for crop growth and high yields.
With 1,416 farms and 2,242 producers, McLean County boasts the largest land area in Illinois, with approximately 82% of the county designated as farmland. This substantial acreage contributes to the county's remarkable corn and soybean production, accounting for around 3% of Illinois' total output.
While challenges such as rising input costs and inflation have affected profitability, McLean County farmers continue to play a pivotal role in Illinois' agricultural landscape. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and the region's exceptional agricultural resources solidify McLean County's position as a formidable leader in corn and soybean production, demonstrating their vital contribution to the global food supply.
Photo Credit: GettyImages-studio2013
Categories: Illinois, Crops