Great Grains: Illinois Wheat Farm Facts
| Posted on April 1, 2010Updated October 24, 2026
Wheat has long been one of the most important crops in the world, with millions of acres devoted to wheat production. Here are some wheat facts and stats:
- Illinois ranks third in the nation for wheat production.
- About 83% of wheat production takes place in the southern half of the state (south of Springfield).
- Farmers plant wheat in late September or early October in northern Illinois and in October in southern Illinois.
- After it sprouts in the fall, wheat lies dormant throughout the Illinois winter, with growth resuming at the end of the cold season.
- More foods are made with wheat than any other cereal grain.
- One bushel of wheat yields 60 pounds of whole-wheat flour.
- A bushel of wheat makes about 90 one-pound loaves of whole-wheat bread.
- Wheat is grown in 42 states, and Kansas produces the most wheat of any state, making up 18% of the total U.S. wheat production.
- A family of four can live 10 years off the bread produced from 1 acre of wheat.
