US Soybean Production by State: Top 11 Rankings In 2023

The US produced the most soybeans in 2022, just above countries like Brazil and Argentina. As a result, America plays a crucial role in the international soybean market, growing them domestically and for export.  

Different states have grown soybeans since at least 1765 for domestic and export reasons. The crops account for about 90% of US oilseed production. 

Soybean production remains an integral part of America’s agricultural sector. The production practices show that farmers grow soybeans in crop rotation with corn to help the soil. About 80% of US soybeans produced are grown in the upper Midwest area of the country.  

This article ranks US soy production by state and explains factors contributing to the increase in soy production. 

1. Illinois  

Illinois is one of the top states producing soybeans for domestic and export markets. Its hold as the number one soy producer in the US remains solid, with the top 11 counties for soybean yield all in Illinois. In 2022, the state produced 74.2 bushels of soybeans per acre.  

There are vast acres of arable land in Illinois, supporting soybean production and a favorable climate. Soy remains an essential and popular crop in Illinois and a key source of income for residents. Illinois has the best US soybean farmers and producers if you need the best US soybeans online. 

2. Iowa 

Iowa ranks among the top two soybean-producing states in the US every year. More than 58.5 bushels of soybeans are produced per acre annually in the vast lands. This is the second-highest soybean production among US states, behind Illinois. Farmers in Iowa cultivate soybeans on a large scale for domestic and export purposes. 

3. Minnesota  

Soybean production in Minnesota is one of the largest, ranking the state among the largest producers in the US. Faribault County leads all Minnesota counties in soybean production.  

The state has an annual output of about 310 million bushels of soybeans. Farmers cultivate soybeans as a cash crop for export and to earn a living. Therefore, it is an essential crop in Minnesota and their number one agricultural export. 

4. Nebraska  

 

Nebraska is known for its high-yielding soybean varieties in the US. It is also the leading producer of soybean meal and oil for various food and industrial products. In 2022, there were over 282 million bushels of soybeans from Nebraska.  

This was the fourth-highest soybean production among all US states. Thanks to the favorable climate and fertile soil, soybean production remains integral to Nebraska's agricultural industry. Farmers are also using advanced technology to maximize yields and efficiency.  

5. Indiana 

 In 2022, farmers in Indiana harvested over 328 million bushels of soybeans.  Soybean is part of the state’s agricultural sector and a crucial crop alongside corn, tomatoes, and wheat. Soy and corn make up 60% of the agricultural products sold in Indiana.  

There are fertile soils and a favorable climate in Indiana that suit soybean production. Advanced farming technologies and practices have also helped in large-scale soybean production.  

6. Missouri  

By dollar value, soybeans are Missouri's number one cash crop. The state produced 237 million bushels of soybeans in 2022, among the top 10 highest soybean productions in all US states that year. This makes soybeans a significant component of the state's agricultural economy.  

Farmers use soybean production as a primary source of income, with the production supported by Missouri's climate and soil conditions. 

7. Ohio  

The favorable climate in Ohio supports large-scale soybean production. Soybeans are cultivated in April-June and harvested in October, allowing soy to flower in the summer, increasing the yield per plant. Farmers are also adopting advanced methods to increase yields in quality and quantity.  

With 271 million bushels of soybeans cultivated in Ohio in 2022, the state ranked sixth in the nation for soybean output. The state has prioritized soybean growing as a crucial component of the agricultural sector.  

8. North Dakota  

In 2022, North Dakota produced 204 million bushels of soybeans, ranking ninth in the nation. The state's favorable climate and rich soils enable extensive soybean farming.  

For soybean production to mature, it needs a long growing season with mild temperatures, which North Dakota's environment offers. Farmers dedicate their farms to sustainable soybean farming using methods like crop rotation. 

9. South Dakota  

South Dakota is popular for the quality of soybeans it produces compared to other states. The mild summers and chilly nights support large-scale soy production. Farmers use advanced agriculture technologies and practices, like precision farming techniques, to maximize yields, while a robust infrastructure supports large-scale soybean production. 

10. Arkansas 

Soybean is one of the main cash crops grown in Arkansas, alongside cotton and rice. In 2022, farmers in the state harvested over 155 million bushels of soybeans, which also served as an income-generating activity.  

Like other soy-producing states, Arkansas has a suitable environment for cultivating soy and fertile soils that support large-scale farming. Farmers are using advanced practices to increase soy production yield. 

11. Mississippi  

While it's not among the top ten soybean-producing areas, Mississippi has always cultivated soybeans for domestic and export purposes. Most soybeans cultivated in Mississippi are exported. Mississippi's climate and soil conditions support growing soybeans, especially in the Mississippi Delta.  

The crop became an essential part of the agricultural industry in the late 1940s and remained a top-row crop in the state. 

Bottom Line 

Soybeans are used in food products, animal feed, and industrial applications like biodiesel. Recently, there has been industrial growth in the soy industry with the increasing benefits of soy. Several states contribute substantially to soybean production, with Illinois producing the country's most significant amount of soy. The American Soybean Association represents US soybean farmers and helps with soy production.