Discover Ohio’s Top 6 Most Valuable Crops

Agriculture is Ohio’s number one industry. Nearly half of the state’s land is farmland. In fact, the state features more than 80,000 farms, most of which are family-run. The till plains region covers the entire west side of the state and contains the most fertile soil in the region, perfect for growing a variety of crops. Before European settlers came to Ohio, Native Americans had used the land for growing crops since prehistoric times. By the early 19th century, Ohio was one of the leading states in the nation for crop production. To this day, the state has remained one of the leaders in agriculture. In fact, the state is a top producer of several products in the country. Check out Ohio’s top six most valuable crops and learn about their production, yield, and value.

1. Soybeans

Ohio farmers plant and harvest more soybeans than any other crop in the state. The state has three counties that produce the majority of its yields, including Fayette, Mercer, and Allen Counties. Farmers plant soybeans from April to June and harvest them in October. Soybeans are used in a variety of food items for animals and humans, such as animal feed, protein bars, meat alternatives, oil, and soy milk. In 2022, farmers planted 5.1 million acres of soybeans and harvested 5.08 million, yielding 55.5 bushels per acre. The total value of production for soybeans in Ohio in 2022 was a little more than $4 billion.   

2. Corn

Both corn and soybeans have the highest yields in the western side of the state. Corn specifically was a leading crop in Greene, Auglaize, and Clinton Counties. While soybeans are the top crop in Ohio, corn is a close second. Corn grows in most states, but the heart of corn production lies in the Heartland region, from Ohio to the Great Plains. People in the US use corn for a multitude of things, from livestock feed and fuel ethanol to sweeteners and starch. In 2022, farmers harvested 3.18 million acres of corn, yielding 187 bushels per acre. The total value of production for corn in Ohio in 2022 was $3.8 billion. 

3. Hay

While drought is currently affecting Ohio’s hay production, this crop is still one of the most profitable in the state. Hay grows throughout the state, but Ohio’s inventory has steadily declined in recent years. However, this doesn’t stop hay from being one of the top crops in Ohio. Farmers harvested 880,000 acres in 2022, yielding 2.93 tons per acre. The total value of production for hay in Ohio in 2022 was $418 million. 

4. Wheat

Ohio may not be a top producer in the country for wheat, but the crop is still a main agricultural product in the state. In fact, wheat production in the state is up slightly from the previous year.  In Ohio, winter wheat is the most profitable, as the spring wheat will be significantly lower. Winter wheat is a versatile wheat, often used in baking bread, rolls, and noodles. Soft red winter wheat grows throughout the region around the Mississippi River. You will find the most acreage in Northwest Ohio. Farmers planted 510,000 acres and harvested 465,000 acres in 2022, yielding 79 bushels per acre. The total value of production for wheat in Ohio in 2022 was $292 million. 

5. Pumpkins

Ohio ranks third in the country for pumpkin production, contributing its fair share of the country’s crop. You can find pumpkin harvests across the state during fall, often produced by local family farms and sold at farmer’s markets and pumpkin patches. While pumpkins can be used as a food item, it is most often associated with fall decorating and Halloween Jack ‘O lanterns. In 2022, farmers planted 4,000 acres of pumpkins and harvested 3,800 acres, yielding 175 CWT per acre. The total value of production for pumpkins in Ohio in 2022 was $14.7 million.   

6. Oats

With more than 3,100 oat farms, Ohio ranks ninth in oat production nationwide. Oats are an excellent disease-resistant crop that can be utilized in many ways. You can use this crop in food products, like oatmeal and oat milk, but you can also use oats to make animal feed or convert to hay or silage. Farmers planted 50,000 acres of oats in 2022 and harvested 15,000 acres, yielding 70 bushels per acre. The total value of production for oats in Ohio in 2022 was $5.6 million.

A Recap of Ohio’s Top 6 Most Valuable Crops