Corn is by far the most predominant crop grown in the United States. But not all corn is the same. Field corn accounts for the most acres, accounting for 93,357,000* acres planted in 2021. Other types of corn grown include sweet corn and popcorn.
The majority of our field corn is used as animal feed in protein production. A little over one-third of total corn produced is processed into ethanol and feed products at ethanol plants. Sweet corn was planted on 371,100 acres in 2021*. Sweet corn is the primary type of corn consumed by humans either on the cob, or processed and canned. Popcorn accounted for about 250,000 acres in 2021*.
Popcorn is the only type of corn that pops as other types of corn simply burn. Popcorn is grown on contracts directly with processors with the end use in mind. Different types of popcorn are used for different markets. Movie theatres prefer a different shape than those used in candy confections like caramel corn.
Hopefully this gives some of you something to think about next time you are driving through the Midwest and see a field of corn.
*all stats from USDA National Ag Statistics Service
Field Corn
Sweet Corn
Popcorn
