Farmland Fact: Mature Tree Lines Can Reduce Corn Yields Near Field Edges (Week 20)

Aerial view of a cornfield showing reduced crop growth near a mature tree line compared to healthy corn farther into the field.

Trees and fence lines are common across Midwest farmland. While they can provide wildlife habitat, wind protection, and visual appeal, they can also impact crop production more than many people realize. Research has shown that mature tree lines can significantly reduce crop yields along field edges. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead […]

Farmland Fact: John Deere Never Saw a John Deere Tractor (Week 19)

Modern John Deere 8RX autonomous tractor operating in a farm field during planting season

When most people hear the name John Deere, they immediately think of green tractors working across America’s farmland. However, there is one surprising fact many people do not know about the company’s founder. John Deere never saw a John Deere tractor. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead of read, you can view […]

Farmland Fact: One Bag of Corn Seed Can Plant About 2.5 Acres (Week 18)

Bag of corn seed with 80,000 kernels beside a planter in a Midwest farm field during planting season

Modern farming depends heavily on precision and efficiency. Even something as simple as a bag of corn seed represents a significant amount of technology and planning. Today, a single bag of corn seed can contain up to 80,000 kernels and plant roughly 2.5 acres of farmland. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead […]

Farmland Fact: It Can Take 500 Years to Create One Inch of Topsoil (Week 17)

Soil cross-section showing that it takes 500 years to naturally create one inch of topsoil on farmland

Healthy soil is one of the most important resources in agriculture. However, many people underestimate how long it takes nature to build productive topsoil. In some cases, natural processes require roughly 500 years to create just one inch of topsoil. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead of read, you can view the […]

Farmland Fact: One-Third of U.S. Corn Is Used for Ethanol Production (Week 16)

Car being fueled with ethanol near a cornfield and ethanol plant showing corn used for fuel production

Corn is one of the most versatile crops grown across the United States. Many people think of corn as food or livestock feed. However, corn also plays a major role in fuel and energy production. Today, ethanol producers use approximately one-third of all U.S. corn. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead of […]

Farmland Fact: The U.S. Loses 2,000 Acres of Farmland Per Day (Week 15)

Farmland being converted to housing development showing loss of 2000 acres per day in the United States

Farmland across the United States continues to face pressure from development and changing land use. While agriculture remains critical, not all farmland stays in production over time. Today, an estimated 2,000 acres of farmland are converted each day to uses like roads, rooftops, and urban expansion. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead […]

Farmland Fact: 39% of Farmland Is Rented & Average Tenure Is 14 Years (Week 14)

Two farmers shaking hands in a Midwest field representing farmland rental agreements and long-term tenant relationships

A large portion of farmland is not operated by the owner. Instead, it is farmed through landlord-tenant relationships that play a major role in how land is managed across the country. Today, about 39% of all farmland is rented to a tenant operator, creating long-term working relationships between landowners and farmers. Farmland Fact Video If […]

Farmland Fact: Midwest Farmers Can Plant Hundreds of Acres Per Day (Week 13)

Modern tractor planting crops with large planter covering 300 to 500 acres per day in Midwest farmland

Modern agriculture has changed the speed and efficiency of farming in ways many people don’t fully realize. Today’s equipment allows farmers to cover significant acreage in a short amount of time, especially during critical planting windows. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead of read, you can view the short video below. Prefer […]

Farmland Fact: Nearly $1 Billion in Farmland Sells at Auction Each Year (Week 12)

Farmland auction with bidders raising paddles in a cornfield, highlighting over $1 billion in land sold annually through auctions

Farmland auctions are often misunderstood. Many people assume auctions are only used for distressed situations, but that’s not the full picture. In reality, auctions are a major method for selling high-quality farmland and attracting competitive buyers in today’s market. Farmland Fact Video If you prefer to watch instead of read, you can view the short […]