Intro: The "wheat belt" region in the United States, often referred to as the "breadbasket of America," is an area where large-scale commercial farming of wheat takes place. This region includes states like Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and parts of Oklahoma and Texas. 150k sq km
Inputs:
- Seeds: High-yielding, genetically improved seeds purchased from agricultural suppliers or seed companies → Nuseed company
- Machinery and Equipment: Tractors, combines, seed drills, sprayers, and grain trucks for planting, harvesting, and transportation.
- Fertilizers and Chemicals: Chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides to optimize crop yields and manage pests and diseases.
Processes:
- Land Preparation: Tilling, leveling, and fertilizing the soil to create optimal conditions for seed germination and crop growth.
- Planting: Using modern seed drills or air seeders to plant wheat seeds in precise rows and at controlled depths.
- Crop Management: Monitoring weather conditions, soil moisture levels, and crop health. Applying fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides as needed.
Outputs:
- Grain Yield: Harvested grain sold to grain elevators, flour mills, food processors, and export markets.
- By-Products: Straw used for animal bedding, mulching, or biomass fuel.
- Economic Benefits: Income generation for farmers, support for rural communities, and employment opportunities in related industries → $125 billion