Top 10 Best Agriculture Companies In USA In 2023

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture in the United States in 2023 continues to be a major industry. With over 2.3 million farms and more than 2.1 million farmers across the country, agricultural production plays a huge role in the nation’s economy. The US Department of Agriculture estimates that in 2017, the US produced $1.1 trillion worth of food and fiber products, making it the world’s top producer.

Agriculture companies in the US are involved in a variety of activities, from farming and food processing, to feed manufacturing, equipment sales, and other agricultural services. Companies such as Tyson Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., and Archer Daniels Midland Co. are some of the largest agricultural firms in the US.

They are engaged in activities such as animal nutrition and livestock production, grain milling, oilseed processing, corn refining, biofuel production, and more. Other smaller companies specialize in various sectors of the agriculture industry such as seed breeding and development, crop protection, irrigation systems, and farm management software.

In 2023, many of these companies have implemented advanced digital technologies to increase productivity and efficiency on their farms, while also helping to reduce their environmental impact.

Furthermore, many of these companies are investing in research and development to further expand their operations and develop new products for the global market.

IMPORTANCE

Agriculture companies in the United States are important for many reasons in 2023. For one, they provide food and other products that are essential to the livelihood of people across the country. They also bring economic growth and stability to rural regions by creating jobs and providing income for farm workers.

Additionally, agriculture is a key factor in environmental conservation, as it helps to maintain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity. Finally, agriculture companies play an important role in energy production, as biomass sources such as grains and grasses are used for fuel and bioenergy.

The importance of agriculture companies in the US will likely continue well into the future, as demand for homegrown produce increases and government policies strive to increase sustainability on farms.

Here are the top 10 best agriculture companies in the USA in 2023

Corteva – Corteva is an agricultural company that was spun off from DowDuPont in June 2019 to create a standalone business focused on agriculture. As the world’s largest integrated crop protection and seeds company, Corteva provides farmers with seeds and crop protection products to help them produce higher yields while reducing environmental impact.

The company’s portfolio of offerings includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, seed treatments, and traits, as well as a range of digital agriculture technologies. Corteva has a presence in over 140 countries, with approximately 8,500 employees worldwide.

Corteva works to advance sustainable agriculture practices by partnering with farmers and other stakeholders to increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and promote healthy diets and communities. To meet the needs of its global customer base, Corteva operates a wide network of research and development, production, and sales facilities throughout the world.

Additionally, the company invests heavily in research and development to drive innovation and ensure its products are safe, effective, and sustainable for the future.

Monsanto – Monsanto is a multinational agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology corporation based in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Monsanto is one of the world’s leading producers of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and herbicides such as RoundUp.

The company has faced a great deal of controversy over its use of genetically modified crops, including accusations of patent infringement and the potential for ecological harm from its products. Monsanto has made attempts to address these issues by introducing new products and strategies, but the company remains a lightning rod for criticism.

Monsanto was founded in 1901 by John Francis Queeny, who named the company after his wife, Olga Monsanto. Originally, Monsanto began producing industrial chemicals such as saccharin and vanillin before moving into agricultural chemicals and becoming a major producer of DDT and other pesticides.

In the 1970s, Monsanto became an early pioneer in the genetic modification of plants, resulting in a series of ‘RoundUp Ready’ crops that were resistant to the company’s weed killer. This move was initially successful, but it led to a massive backlash due to fears about the safety of GMOs and their effects on the environment.

In the 2000s, Monsanto acquired various companies, including Seminis Vegetable Seeds, making them one of the world’s biggest seed suppliers. They also released ‘SmartStax’, a range of GMO crops with more than just Roundup resistance. But their aggressive tactics led to numerous lawsuits from farmers claiming that their patents had been infringed, and further harm to Monsanto’s reputation.

In 2015, Monsanto was purchased by Bayer for $66 billion, making it the largest acquisition in German corporate history. Since then, Bayer has announced plans to phase out the use of the Monsanto name and focus on sustainable agriculture.

Despite ongoing criticism, Monsanto remains a powerful force in the agriculture industry and one of the most influential companies in the world. While their practices have certainly sparked many debates, the impact of their products and business decisions will likely be felt for generations to come.

Syngenta – Syngenta is an agribusiness company that focuses on crop science and biotechnology. Founded in 2000, the company focuses on increasing crop yield, improving nutrition and health, and managing environmental impact. With headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, Syngenta has operations in over 90 countries, employing around 28,000 people.

Syngenta’s products focus on three main areas: crop protection, seeds, and flowers. In addition to developing new technologies and products, the company also provides services such as digital agriculture, research and development, supply chain management, and precision farming. The company works closely with farmers, seeking to increase sustainable farming practices and reduce environmental impact.

In crop protection, Syngenta offers fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and other specialty products designed to protect crops from pests, weeds, and diseases. The company’s seed portfolio covers nearly all major crops and production systems across the globe and includes both proprietary hybrids and locally adapted varieties. Syngenta’s flower business covers a range of products including cut flowers, pot plants, and garden products.

Syngenta is committed to sustainability and responsible agriculture. The company has invested heavily in research and innovation, working to develop products and services that are effective, safe for human health, and beneficial for the environment. Syngenta also works to ensure the safety and well-being of its employees and the communities in which it operates.

ADM – ADM Company is a leading global agribusiness, which processes and merchandises grain, oilseeds, pulses, and other agricultural commodities. Founded in 1885, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest grain handlers, with over 400 facilities across 40 countries. ADM’s business is divided into four key segments: Oilseeds Processing, Agricultural Services, Corn Processing, and Specialty Products.

In the Oilseeds Processing segment, ADM processes oilseeds such as canola, sunflower, soybean, and cottonseed for use in various food ingredients and animal feed. This involves crushing the oilseeds and extracting the edible oil, as well as producing meals and hulls that are used in animal feed.

The Agricultural Services segment includes the origination, handling, storage, transportation, and merchandising of grains and oilseeds. This involves buying and selling grains and oilseeds, storing them in silos, loading them onto ships or railcars, and selling them to buyers around the world.

The Corn Processing segment produces sweeteners, starches, corn syrup, citric acid, and ethanol, among other products. The segment also produces ingredients that are used in foods, pet foods, cleaning products, and pharmaceuticals.

Finally, ADM’s Specialty Products segment produces natural health, wellness, and nutrition products, including specialty oils, omega-3 fatty acids, and grain-based proteins and carbohydrates.

Overall, ADM is a global leader in the agribusiness industry and provides a range of services and products that help feed, fuel, and nourish the world.

Bunge – Bunge is a large agribusiness and food company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 1818, it is one of the oldest companies in the United States. Bunge has operations in over 40 countries, with more than 35,000 employees worldwide.

It is the world’s largest processor of soybeans and canola and also processes and distributes grains such as wheat, corn, and rice. In addition, Bunge produces and sells fertilizers, vegetable oils, sugar, flour, and other products for both human and animal consumption.

The company’s agribusiness division is responsible for purchasing crops from farmers, processing them into end products for sale, and distributing them to customers. Its food and ingredients division produces, distributes, and markets consumer and industrial food products.

Bunge’s food service division offers customized food solutions for restaurants, healthcare facilities, institutions, and other customers. The company also provides financial services, including commodity risk management and hedging services. Bunge has a long history of corporate responsibility, investing in sustainability initiatives and committing to ethical sourcing and environmental protection.

Land O’Lakes – Land O’Lakes is a US-based agricultural cooperative that was founded in 1921. It is one of the largest cooperatives in the United States, with more than 3,000 members across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

The company produces a wide range of products that include dairy, animal feed, seed, and crop nutrition products, as well as food ingredients for restaurants and other food service companies. Its main brand is Land O’Lakes, and its other brands include Purina, Arctic Shores, Croplands, and Country Fresh.

In addition to its food production, the company also provides farmers with financial and risk management services, such as crop insurance and foreign exchange hedging.

The company operates out of several corporate offices located in Arden Hills, Minnesota, as well as facilities in Fort Dodge, Iowa; Melrose, Wisconsin; and St. Paul, Minnesota. Internationally, Land O’Lakes has operations in Canada and Mexico, as well as a presence in more than 20 countries. Its corporate headquarters are located in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

In 2019, Land O’Lakes acquired five organic dairies in Florida and Wisconsin, becoming one of the leading organic milk producers in the United States. The company also acquired a stake in several organic farms in the Midwest. In 2020, it launched a line of organic dairy products, including cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream.

Additionally, Land O’Lakes has invested heavily in sustainability initiatives, such as renewable energy generation and water conservation projects.

Overall, Land O’Lakes is an agricultural cooperative that provides farmers with a wide range of services, from food production to financial and risk management. It is a leader in the organic food industry, and its sustainability efforts have earned it numerous awards and accolades.

With a presence in more than 20 countries and thousands of members, Land O’Lakes is widely recognized as one of the largest and most successful agricultural cooperatives in the United States.

Cargill – Cargill is one of the world’s leading food, agriculture, and risk management companies. Founded in 1865, Cargill began as a grain storage and shipping business in Iowa. Today, Cargill has more than 150,000 employees across 70 countries who work to provide food and nutrition to people around the world.

Cargill’s core business involves supporting farmers by connecting them to markets, providing access to capital, and creating customized products that meet customer needs. In addition, Cargill provides food supply chain services including storage, transportation, and product handling.

Cargill also offers financial risk management services, such as hedging and foreign currency exchange. Through its leadership in corporate responsibility, Cargill works to reduce its environmental footprint, protect human rights and animal welfare, develop local communities, and promote wellness and safety in the workplace.

With a commitment to doing business the right way, Cargill strives to create value for customers, shareholders, partners, and society.

The Andersons – The Andersons Company is a diversified agribusiness headquartered in Maumee, Ohio. Founded in 1947, they specialize in the grain, ethanol, plant nutrient, and rail sectors, as well as retail stores throughout the Midwest.

The Andersons’ grain business includes grain origination, storage, handling, merchandising, and marketing services for the agricultural community. While their ethanol business produces and distributes fuel-grade ethanol for use as a fuel additive and an industrial solvent.

They are one of the largest producers of Nitrogen fertilizer in the US with several production facilities located in Ohio and Indiana. The company also operates a short-line railroad system with operations in Michigan, Illinois, and Indiana. Their retail stores offer lawn, garden, pet, and wild bird products, automotive accessories and parts, home goods, and convenience items.

With over 7,000 employees and $2.6 billion in revenue in 2020, The Andersons have become a leading name in the agribusiness sector.

Koch Industries – Koch Industries is a multinational corporation based in the United States and run by brothers David and Charles Koch. The company has interests in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, energy, and finance.

With an estimated annual revenue of roughly $110 billion, it is one of the largest private companies in the world. The company’s operations span 60 countries, employing over 120,000 people.

Koch Industries primarily produces and distributes a wide range of commodities, including petroleum refining, chemicals, fertilizers, fibers and polymers, minerals, forest and consumer products, and even consumer electronics.

Koch’s refining operations are the second-largest in the United States and the third-largest in the world. Koch also operates pipelines and terminals, as well as natural gas and electric power generation facilities.

In addition to its core businesses, Koch Industries invests heavily in research and development, with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy technologies. It also owns several high-profile subsidiaries, such as Georgia-Pacific, INVISTA, Molex, and Guardian Industries.

These companies allow Koch to leverage their expertise and resources from across their various units. Additionally, Koch Industries has made substantial investments in technology, data science, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.

Koch Industries’ philanthropic activities are extensive and far-reaching. The company has donated more than $1 billion to charitable causes since 2000, focusing particularly on education and healthcare initiatives. These efforts have had a significant impact on the global community, extending beyond the company’s core business areas.

The company continues to uphold its commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainability, striving to be a leader in environmental sustainability and social innovation. With its global reach and extensive network of partnerships, Koch Industries is well-positioned to continue to make an impact for years to come.

Archer Daniels Midland – Archer Daniels Midland Company is one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient providers. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it has more than 32,000 employees working in more than 170 countries, with a presence in over 60 countries.

Its core business is procuring, transporting, storing, processing, and merchandising agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, and oilseeds, including soybeans and cotton. It also produces a variety of feed products for livestock, ethanol fuel, and biodiesel fuel.

Additionally, it operates a research center that collaborates with universities, public institutions, and private companies to develop new products and technologies. The company’s products are, for the most part, sold to the food and beverage industry, animal feed producers, industrial customers, and grain elevators.

In addition to traditional grain-based products, it also offers cocoa, chocolate, and other cocoa-based ingredients; edible beans; natural health and nutrition products; feed ingredients; edible oils; sweeteners and starches; soybean meal and hulls; and various products related to renewable energy. It runs over 270 plants worldwide, with its main headquarters located in Decatur, Illinois.

CONCLUSION

Agriculture companies in the United States have seen a major shift in operations and investments over the past few years. Companies have invested heavily in technology, research, and development to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.

In 2023, the US is expected to be the world’s leading exporter of agricultural products due to strong production, market access, and innovation. Companies are utilizing modern farming methods such as precision agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and improved seed varieties to maximize yields and minimize costs while improving environmental performance.

Companies are also investing heavily in new food products, organic foods, and alternative proteins like plant-based meat and dairy replacements. All these investments will continue to propel the US agribusiness industry forward into the future.