Kansas Agricultural Facts | Kansas Agriculture in the Classroom (2024)

General Kansas Agriculture Information

  • The average Kansas farmer is 58 years old
  • Approximately 88% of the state's land is under agricultural production
  • Largest City: Wichita – 389,938
  • Number of Farms: 58,569
  • Average Farm Size: 781 acres

Crops & Livestock

The top five agricultural products grown or raised in Kansas include:

  • Cattle and Calves
  • Wheat
  • Corn
  • Sorghum
  • Soybeans

Kansas is a recognized leader in agriculture in the United States. Here is how the state ranks in the following.

  • First in grain sorghum production, growing almost 64% of the nation's crop
  • Kansas leads the nation in winter wheat production, growing more than 23% of the nation’s crop
  • Second in sorghum for silage production
  • Second in cropland with 29,125,505 acres
  • Third in cattle production with 6,450,000
  • Fourth in sunflower production and hay production
  • Seventh in corn for grain production
  • Tenth in soybean production
  • Twelfth in number of farms

In 2019, approximately 6.9 million acres of wheat were planted in Kansas. The state harvested 6.5 million acres.

In 2019, approximately 6.4 million acres of corn were planted in Kansas. Approximately six million acres were harvested for grain.

Kansas’ dairy cattle produced 3.8 billion pounds of milk in 2019.

As of Dec. 1, 2019, there was 2.2 million head of hogs in Kansas.

For Kansas county-specific information:

For more Kansas Agricultural Statistics and information:

Kansas Agriculture Farm Flavor Magazine:

  • Kansas Farm Flavor
  • Kansas Agricultural Facts | Kansas Agriculture in the Classroom (2024)

    FAQs

    What are the agricultural facts about Kansas? ›

    Kansas livestock producers are a major outlet for hay, silage and feed grains that are produced within the state's borders. Our state ranks first in the nation in wheat and sorghum production. And we are also a leader in the production of cattle, sunflowers, bison, hogs and soybeans.

    Why is agriculture important in the classroom? ›

    Promotes Informed Decision-Making. When learning about food production, students learn about the technology that goes into it. By understanding how their food is grown and what goes into it, students can determine the nutritional value of different foods.

    Why is Kansas so good for farming? ›

    In addition to wheat, the state cultivates a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans, sorghum and sunflowers. The fertile soil, favorable climate and advanced farming techniques have made Kansas a leader in crop production.

    What is the largest crop in Kansas? ›

    Corn accounts for more than half of the irrigated acres in Kansas: It was grown on more than 1.75 million acres in 2022. The next highest crop, soybeans, were grown on less than 500,000 acres.

    Why should students learn about agriculture in school? ›

    Including agriculture and farming as major disciplines during schooling will help all children understand food production and management. This knowledge adds to their exposure and helps them better understand the seasonality of crops, harvesting, and transportation.

    How to teach agriculture to elementary students? ›

    Ask your students, "What is agriculture?" Have the students offer their answers and use the information found in the Background Agricultural Connections and the Vocabulary sections of this lesson to define the word "agriculture." Help the students identify their connection to agriculture by recognizing that food, ...

    What does agriculture teach you? ›

    Agricultural education is a systematic program of instruction available to students desiring to learn about the science, business, technology of plant and animal production and/or about the environmental and natural resources systems.

    How much of Kansas is agriculture? ›

    In Kansas, there are 46,137,295 acres of farmland, which accounts for 88 percent of all Kansas land. More than 21 million acres in Kansas are harvested for crops and over 16 million acres serve as pastureland for grazing animals.

    What is Kansas famous for? ›

    The great fields of wheat in Kansas have earned it the nickname Breadbasket of America. It is also one of the top manufacturers of non- military airplanes in the u.s. It also produces oil and gas. For hundreds of years Native Americans farmed and hunted buffalo there.

    What grain is grown in Kansas? ›

    Kansas farmers also grow corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, oats, cotton, barley and more. We are going to look at the grains that we grow the most of in Kansas: corn, wheat, soybeans and grain sorghum. Let's call them “The Big Four”.

    What state is number 1 for farming? ›

    While Texas has the largest number of farms, it generates less cash receipts than other states. For instance, in 2021, California produced 11.8% of cash receipts, Iowa produced 8%, Nebraska produced 6.1%, and Texas produced 5.7%.

    Does Kansas grow more corn or wheat? ›

    Corn is the largest crop grown in Kansas, both in bushels produced and in economic contribution. The corn sector supplies grain and silage to the cattle sector, as well as supplies feedstock for ethanol and, thus, ethanol by-products.

    How old is the average farmer in Kansas? ›

    The average age of a Kansas farmer increased slightly to 58.2 years (0.2 above the national average), but the number of farmers 34 and younger grew by more than 1,100 to 9,700. It just so happens 2022 was a good year for farmers on the revenue side, with Kansas producers earning just under $24 billion.

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