More or Less: Behind the Stats Are 672 billion pounds of corn eaten in the US every year?
Oct 5, 2024
Krista Swanson, Chief Economist for the Corn Growers Association, and Margaret Smith, Professor of Plant Breeding at Cornell University, dive into America's staggering corn consumption. They dissect the claim of 672 billion pounds of corn eaten annually, revealing that much of this figure includes corn used for biofuel and animal feed. The duo humorously navigates the complexities of corn's journey from field to food, highlighting the overwhelming presence of corn derivatives like high-fructose corn syrup in our diets, all while re-evaluating the stats that shape our understanding of this essential crop.
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Corn Consumption
- Corn is the number one crop in the US, and Americans consume a large amount.
- National Geographic claims they eat over 672 billion pounds yearly, or over 2,000 pounds per person.
Listener's Doubt
- Paul Nevae, a mathematics professor, questioned the 2,000 pounds/year figure.
- He jokingly wondered if he consumed it indirectly through cheese from cows eating corn.
Corn Belt Advantage
- Corn thrives in the US due to the fertile Corn Belt's deep soils and plains.
- This region's environment is uniquely suited for large-scale corn production.