Farming Regions of the United States

Different parts of the United States are better for raising different crops or products. For example, most fresh fruits and vegetables are grown in temperate climates (climates that lack extremes in temperature). States that produce lots of fruits and vegetables are California, Florida, and Texas, not only because of their climates but also because they have longer growing seasons. The Great Plains (grasslands) grow large amounts of wheat, barley, corn, and other grains. In some of the drier desert areas of the West, where crops cannot be easily grown, ranchers graze cattle and other livestock. Crops like potatoes grow best in cooler climates, so they are grown in mountainous areas where it stays cooler longer in the spring.

For management purposes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture divides the United States into 10 major farm production regions. These regions differ from each other in terms of soil, slope of the land, climate, distance to market, and storage facilities. The Northeast and the states near the Great Lakes are where most of the country’s milk is produced. The climate and soil is good for growing grains that cattle need. The Appalachia region is a major tobaccoproducing area. It is also well known for cattle and hog production, dairy farming, and peanuts. The Southeast region is used for raising beef and farming fruit, vegetables, peanuts, citrus fruit, winter vegetables, sugarcane, and cotton.

The Delta region grows soybeans, cotton, rice, corn, and sugarcane. It is also an important area for livestock production. The Corn Belt has an abundance of rich soil and a good climate for farming. This region produces corn, wheat, soybeans, dairy products, cattle, hogs, and feed grains. The Northern and Southern Plains produce the majority of the nation’s winter and spring wheat. They also harvest other grains, hay, and cotton and are involved in dairy farming (milk production). The Mountain region is largely used for grazing cattle and sheep. Wheat is also grown there, though, as well as hay, sugar beets, fruits, potatoes, and other vegetables in the irrigated valleys. The Pacific region specializes in wheat, potatoes, fruit, cotton, cattle, and dairy farming. Hawaii is well known for growing pineapples and sugarcane. Alaska has many greenhouse/nursery farms and also produces dairy products.

9. a) Complete the table using information from the text “Farming Regions of the United States”.