Corn Production in Texas: What Producers Need to Know

Key takeaways: 

• Corn is a major crop in Texas, both on its own and because of its contribution to the state’s cattle sector.
• Drought is on the rise in the Lone Star State, so it’s important for corn producers to monitor conditions, develop proactive crop protection strategies, and choose resistant hybrids.
• A variety of financial tools might be necessary for corn producers, including land loans, crop insurance, agricultural operating loans, and more.

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Corn might just be the most impactful American crop. The U.S. is the top global producer of corn, and domestic producers regularly harvest more than 15 billion bushels each year. 

And while most of that corn production happens in the Midwest, the crop’s significance still translates to Texas’s vast expanse of farmland. On average, Texas harvests more than 228 million bushels of corn each year from about 2 million planted acres. 

Not every Texas region is involved in the corn industry; many are better equipped for planting cotton or raising cattle. But there are specific areas in the state well-suited for corn cultivation. If you’re a landowner living in one of those regions, here’s what to know about Texas corn production.  

How big is the Texas corn industry? 

Texas may not be the biggest corn producer nationwide: that status is still reserved for Midwestern states like Iowa and Illinois. Still, the state holds its own. According to the Texas Corn Producers Association, Lone Star corn contributes $1.8 billion to the annual American GDP. Total production value exceeds $4 billion, as more than 2 million acres across Texas are planted with corn each year. 

On average, Texas corn producers yield about 120 bushels per acre, according to the Texas Corn Producers Association. 

How corn helps fuel the Texas cattle industry 

Most of the corn grown and harvested in Texas is dent or feed corn, which is destined for livestock. 

Corn is a vital nutritional component for the 12.5 million head of cattle across Texas ranchland. The Lone Star beef industry is one of the biggest sectors in the state and requires large quantities of feed in order to stay productive. About 7% of beef cows’ diet throughout their lifetimes includes corn.

Dairy cows are also a significant piece of the Texas cattle puzzle, and corn is equally important to them (accounting for about one-third of their lifetime diets). Corn consumption can even increase milk production in dairy cows.  

What are the best regions in Texas for growing corn? 

Corn cultivation requires a fairly warm climate along with regular rainfall (or at least good irrigation infrastructure). In Texas, this means the majority of corn acres are located either in the High Plains/Panhandle or the Blackland Prairies in the central part of the state. 

The High Plains and Panhandle produce the most corn of any Texas region, partially thanks to its long growing season. Meanwhile, the Blackland Prairies boast deep, fertile soil along with higher average rainfall. 

How has drought impacted Texas corn? 

Similar to many regions in the U.S. (and worldwide) increasing drought pressure has had an impact on agriculture in Texas. By the latter half of 2025, more than 40 percent of the state was experiencing some level of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. This is impacting corn production, among other sectors.

For corn producers, these shifting conditions could mean working with a trusted agronomist to choose resilient corn hybrids better suited to drought conditions. You’ll also want to build a strong irrigation plan if you live in a region particularly vulnerable to low rainfall each year.

What Texas corn producers need to be successful

There’s no sure bet when it comes to agriculture. But there are a few items to tick off your list if you’re hoping to build a strong foundation within the Texas corn industry.  

Choose the right hybrids 

Picking the right seeds for your operation could be the difference between drought destroying your crop, and your yields surviving a tough season. Especially in Texas, opting for a hybrid with drought resistance is important. But other factors to consider could include your soil type or common pest or disease pressures in your region. Contact your local extension office or agronomist to map out the best plan for your acres.

Get the right equipment 

How much equipment you need might depend on your land’s specific conditions, including soil type and regional rainfall. But in general, you’ll need equipment for planting (like a cultivator, planter, and fertilizer applicator) and harvesting (like a combine and storage bin).

It’s likely you don’t have all the cash lying around to immediately purchase all the machinery you need. Texas Farm Credit offers equipment loans to help you get started.

Regularly monitor weather conditions

To stay up to date on moisture conditions in your region, you can check out the Water Data for Texas website. Make sure to also keep an eye on temperatures and rain forecasts in advance of planting. Temperatures should be at least 50 F to begin planting, although closer to 60 F could mean healthier emergence. 

Since Texas is so massive, planting dates can vary drastically from one region to the next, so it’s important to customize yours based on your area’s specific conditions. This could mean starting planting as early as late February, or as late as May.

Work on a crop protection strategy

Similarly to any other row crop farmer, you need the right expert help in your corner. Make sure to have a trusted agronomist that you can reach out to with questions — and most importantly, to build proactive management plans. They can help you design the best crop protection plan for your acres, including the right herbicides/insecticides to apply, the best strategies to manage the most common pests, and specific methods to employ (like cover cropping or reduced tillage). 

Apply for crop insurance 

Just like with any row crop, in any region, there is risk in cultivating corn in Texas. Drought is on the rise, and there’s always the possibility of other natural disasters like flooding or tornadoes. Crop insurance is vital if you want to protect your bottom line. Texas Farm Credit offers a variety of programs, including hail insurance and multi-peril crop insurance.

Get financial help from the experts 

If you’re hoping to purchase acres for corn production, or even expand your existing operation, Texas Farm Credit offers the financial tools to help make it happen. Apply today, or reach out to our team for help securing land loans, crop insurance, operating lines of credit, and more.