Field Corn (Zea mays)

About Field Corn

  • Field corn is a member of the grass family, grows 5-12 feet tall. Each plant produces kernels that are filled with starch and have a hard shell.
  • Field Corn is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
  • In 2019, Illinois field corn produced an average of 181 bushels per acre (1 bushel= 56 pounds).
  • More than 94% of corn grown in the United States is field corn.

Fast Facts

  • Field corn is grown in nearly every U.S. state.
  • Field corn is used in about 4,000 different every-day products.
  • About 12% of field corn grown in the U.S. is exported to other countries.

Uses

  • Animal Feed
  • Ethanol
  • Consumer Products: shampoo, textiles, diapers, plastics, and more
  • Food Products: corn syrup, cereal, beverages/alcohol