and a greater weight of maize is produced each year than

any other grain.

The United States produces 40% of the world’s harvest;

other top producing countries include China, Brazil,

Mexico, Indonesia, India, France and Argentina. Worldwide

production was 817 million tonnes in 2009.

Production can be significantly higher in certain regions

of the world; 2009 forecasts for production in Iowa were

11614 kg/ha. “There is conflicting evidence to support the

hypothesis that maize yield potential has increased” over

the past few decades.