The history of the world according to corn - Chris A. Kniesly

Summary

Corn, or maize, accounts for over 10% of global crop production, primarily as Yellow Dent #2, a single variety that dominates agriculture. Domesticated from teosinte nearly 9,000 years ago, it gained importance among indigenous cultures and later became integral to European diets. Standardization in the late 19th century and post-WWII technologies propelled its growth, transforming it into a global staple. However, this success brings environmental challenges, including pollution, carbon emissions, health issues from high-fructose corn syrup, and risks from monoculture practices. Corn's journey raises questions about sustainability in modern agriculture.

Takeaways

• 🌽 Corn accounts for over 10% of global crop production, primarily as the Yellow Dent #2 variety.
• 🌱 The domestication of corn began nearly 9,000 years ago from teosinte, a grass native to Mesoamerica.
• 👩‍🌾 Over 4,700 years, farmers bred corn into a staple crop with larger cobs and edible kernels.
• 🎉 Indigenous societies revered corn, often associating it with a 'Corn Mother' deity in agriculture.
• 🚢 European settlers initially dismissed corn but later adopted it due to its adaptability and taste.
• 🚂 In the 1850s, the standardization of corn began to solve trade issues, culminating in the success of Yellow Dent corn.
• 🔧 Post-World War II advancements enabled rapid corn harvesting and extensive cultivation using synthetic fertilizers.
• 📈 U.S. agricultural policies limited corn production until 1972, when restrictions were lifted, leading to a global corn boom.
• 🍔 Today, only 40% of cultivated corn is consumed by humans; the rest supports various industries, particularly meat production.
• ⚠️ The rise of corn cultivation has resulted in environmental issues, health concerns, and vulnerabilities due to monoculture farming.

Q & A

What percentage of global crop production does corn account for?

Corn accounts for more than one tenth of global crop production.

What is the most commonly cultivated variety of corn?

Over 99% of cultivated corn is Yellow Dent #2.

How was corn first domesticated?

Corn was first domesticated from teosinte, a grass native to Mesoamerica, nearly 9,000 years ago.

What role did maize play in indigenous societies in the Americas?

Maize was revered by multiple indigenous societies, which recognized a 'Corn Mother' as the goddess who created agriculture.

How did European settlers initially view maize upon arriving in America?

European settlers initially shunned maize, believing it was the source of cultural differences between them and Mesoamericans.

What significant agricultural event occurred at the 1893 World’s Fair?

James Reid’s Yellow Dent corn won the Blue Ribbon at the 1893 World’s Fair, leading to the standardization of corn.

What technological advancements influenced corn production in the mid-20th century?

The development of mechanized harvesters and synthetic fertilizers like ammonium nitrate significantly boosted corn production.

What impact did President Nixon's agricultural policy changes have on corn production?

Nixon's removal of limitations on corn production in 1972 led to an explosion in corn production, especially through grain sales to the Soviet Union.

What percentage of cultivated corn is consumed directly by humans?

Humans consume only 40% of all cultivated corn, while the remaining 60% supports various consumer goods industries.

What environmental issues are associated with large-scale corn production?

Corn production contributes to water pollution from excess fertilizers, agricultural carbon emissions, and vulnerabilities due to monoculture farming.