Corn production has been a key factor in the Iowa economy for more than 150 years.

The state’s 21st-century economy is characterized by increasing diversity. Agriculture isn’t as dominant as once was the case. Even so, there can be little doubt that corn remains of critical importance. The renewable fuels industry Hawkeye State has increased demand for corn as a critical ingredient in manufacturing ethanol. Ethanol production has increased demand for corn and increases corn’s already enormous importance to Iowa’s prosperity.

Corn production nationally broke records in 2009. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, American farmers produced 13.15 billion bushels of corn that year, breaking the previous record of 13.1 billion set in 2007.

Iowa continues to top the nation in corn production even though weather-related difficulties made 2009 a challenging year for farmers. Iowa’s corn yield for 2009 was impressive at 2.44 billion bushels – up 11 percent from 2008.

Corn has been king in Iowa for generations. It seems likely to remain so well into the 21st century. Included with this issue of Farm News is Corn Edition 2010. It documents corn’s importance to the prosperity of the Hawkeye State.