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The major U.S. oilseed crops are soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seed, canola, rapeseed, and peanuts. Soybeans are the dominant oilseed in the United States, accounting for about 90 percent of U.S. oilseed production. Most U.S. soybeans are planted in May and early June and harvested in late September and October (for more information about soybean planting dates by region, see Usual Planting and Harvesting Dates for U.S. Field Crops).
Large-scale production of soybeans did not begin until the 20th century in the United States, but since then area planted to soybeans has expanded rapidly. Increased planting flexibility, yield improvements from narrow-rowed seeding practices, a greater number of 50-50 corn-soybean rotations, and low production costs (partly due to widespread adoption of herbicide-tolerant varieties) favored the expansion of soybean acreage. More than 90 million acres of soybeans were planted in 2017, and in 2018, planted acres of soybeans in the United States (89.2 million acres) exceeded corn acres for the first time since 1983. Soybean acres decreased to 87.45 million acres in 2022. See more.
Here's a more detailed look:
Soybeans:
Soybeans are a major oilseed crop in the U.S., with soybean oil widely used for cooking. Oilseeds are covered under Title I—Crop Commodity Programs (for more information, see Crop Commodity Programs) of the 2018 Farm Act. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) delivers Title I commodity support programs that include the Price Loss Coverage (PLC), the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC), and the Nonrecourse Marketing Assistance Loan Program (MAL). Eligibility for commodity program support can include (but is not limited to) meeting adjusted gross income limitations, complying with conservation and wetland protection requirements, and verifying the level of participation in farming activities. Once individuals are eligible, payment limitations cap the total amount they can receive. The 2018 farm bill extended authority for most current commodity programs with some modifications to the ARC, PLC, and MAL programs.
Under the 2018 Farm Act, producers were allowed a one-time choice between ARC and PLC on a commodity-by-commodity basis, with payments made on 85 percent of each commodity’s base acres (i.e., historical program acres that are eligible for ARC and PLC payments). To increase producer flexibility, the 2018 Farm Act provided producers the option of switching between ARC and PLC coverage in 2019, on a commodity-by-commodity basis, effective for both crop years 2019 and 2020. Producers then have the option to change their program elections (between ARC and PLC) annually, beginning in crop year 2021. Producers also have the option to sign a multi-year contract for the ARC and PLC programs. If no initial choice is made, the producer will not receive any support in 2019, and the program defaults to whichever program was in effect under the 2014 Farm Act. See more.
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Peanuts:
Peanuts are another significant oilseed, also used in food and feed. Peanuts are commercially grown in 15 US states, with the main production areas being in the Southeast (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina), Southwest (New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana), and Virginia and North Carolina. The four main varieties grown are Runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia.
Other Oilseeds:
Canola, flaxseed, safflower, sunflower, and rapeseed are also cultivated in the U.S. and used for various purposes. In 2024, the United States experienced a record-high canola production, reaching 4.8 billion pounds. This was achieved across 2.7 million acres, with North Dakota leading in production. Despite this increase, the U.S. still imports a significant portion of its canola oil needs. Flax is now grown almost exclusively in North Dakota and Minnesota, despite the fact that it is agronomically adapted to most Eastern and Midwestern states, as evidenced by its earlier production for many decades in these regions. In 2023, the United States produced approximately 2.26 billion pounds of sunflowers, a 19% decrease from 2022, with North Dakota being the leading producer. The sunflower, native to North America, is cultivated for its seeds, which are used for oil extraction and consumption.
Oilseed Processing:
Oilseeds are processed to extract oil, which can be used for cooking, making biodiesel, and other industrial applications. In the US, oilseed processing involves extracting and refining oil from seeds like soybeans, cottonseed, sunflower seed, and canola to produce edible oils, biofuels, and animal feed, according to Labplas and NOPA - National Oilseed Processors Association. Soybeans are the dominant oilseed, with over 90% of US oilseed production, says the Economic Research Service. The processed oil and meal are used in various industries, including food, feed, renewable fuels, and industrial products. See more.
U.S. as a Producer:
The U.S. is a major global producer of oilseeds, particularly soybeans, which account for over 90% of the country's oilseed production. The U.S. is the world's second-largest producer and exporter of soybeans. Other significant U.S. oilseed crops include cottonseed, sunflower seed, canola, and peanuts.
-SZK
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