Grain Consumption and Production in Virginia: A Trend and Spatial Examination

Abstract

This article couples an examination of grain production with Virginia’s livestock and poultry sector to analyze the overall magnitude and distribution of grain consumption in Virginia. Specifically, this paper describes the sources and trends over time of grain production and consumption; identifies grain surplus (and deficit) areas across Virginia’s counties; describes and applies a methodology to quantify livestock and poultry consumption requirements at the state- and county-levels; provides an updated assessment of Virginia’s ability to meet its feed grain needs; and discusses implications on the overall distribution system. Important results of the analysis reveal that grain consumption in Virginia is due mainly to demand in the poultry sector (primarily broilers and chickens). Furthermore, grain consumption in this state has generally declined over the last twenty years, due to decreasing livestock population numbers. Coupled with a slight upward trend in grain production, Virginia appears to be increasingly capable of meeting its grain needs. There is, however, an important east-west divide in the state, with western counties requiring more grain than they produce. Since grain does not appear to move from the relatively “production-rich” eastern counties, transportation infrastructure is important to bring in grain from outside the state.