Few People Know The Real Reason Behind Nebraska Becoming The Corn Capital Of The World
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published May 07, 2024
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
Corn is to Nebraska as apple pie is to America; We’re called the Cornhusker State, after all. But why is Nebraska known for corn? It turns out that our relationship with this important crop has shaped our state’s history for longer than you might think.
Though our biggest agricultural exports are beef and soybeans, most people think of corn when they think "Nebraska."
That's because this cash crop played a crucial role in Nebraskan history, looming large in our culture today. In 2022 alone, over 9.6 millionacres of corn were planted across the state.
Not only are the Great Plains soils ideal for grain cultivation, but Nebraska has a dependable water supply: the Ogallala Aquifer. One of the world's largest sources of freshwater, this aquifer allows Nebraskan farmers to irrigate their fields, creating the conditions corn loves.
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Despite its incredible size, the Ogallala Aquifer isn't endless or immune to pollution.
It provides 30 percent of the water used to irrigate our country's crops, and this intensive use has reduced its volume by almost 10 percent in the last 75 years. That depletion may not seem too bad, but it's worth noting. Should the aquifer be drained entirely, it will take 6,000 years to replenish.
Long before Nebraska was a state, tribes including the Pawnee, Omaha, and Oto supported large towns by growing corn alongside squash and beans, a nutritious trio known as the "Three Sisters." These nations were the first to domesticate corn, and we have them to thank for an industry that, today, nets Nebraska almost $10 billion annually.
Now that we know corn has played a key part in Nebraskan life for over 1,000 years, it makes sense that this crop is important to our identity.
“Why is Nebraska known for corn?” Well, this delicious, versatile food was a crucial part of the Cornhusker diet and economy well before our state’s founding. It’s part of our DNA.
If you’d like to embrace the significance of corn to Nebraska’s identity, plan ahead for autumn’s harvest-themed festivals. Can’t wait that long? Opt for a vacation in a funky rental that immerses you in corn agriculture. This former corn crib sits right beside a lake, making it the perfect summer destination.
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