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Learn about the flat, fertile plains of the Midwest and why it is a world leader in food production.
What if you could stand in one spot and see for miles in every direction without a single hill blocking your view? In the American Midwest, this 'flat-as-a-pancake' land is the secret to feeding millions of people!
The Midwest is a large region located in the center of the United States. It is famous for a landform called the Interior Plains. These are vast stretches of very flat land that were formed thousands of years ago. Because there are no high mountains or deep valleys, the land looks like a giant green and gold carpet stretching to the horizon. This region includes states, such as Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois. The soil here is deep, dark, and full of nutrients, making it some of the best fertile soil on Earth for growing plants.
Quick Check
What is the name of the vast, flat landform found in the Midwest?
Answer
The Interior Plains
Have you ever wondered where the flour for your morning toast or the corn for your cereal comes from? The Midwest is nicknamed the Breadbasket of America. This is because the region produces a massive amount of grains, including wheat, corn, and oats. These crops are the main ingredients used to make bread, pasta, and many other foods. Because the Midwest grows more of these 'staple' foods than any other part of the country, it 'fills the basket' for the entire nation and even exports food to other countries!
Quick Check
Why is the Midwest called the 'Breadbasket'?
Answer
Because it grows the majority of the nation's grains, like wheat and corn, used to make bread.
The flat landscape of the Midwest isn't just pretty; it's useful! Because the land has no steep hills, farmers can use enormous machinery like tractors and combines. Imagine trying to drive a machine the size of a house up a mountain—it would be impossible! On the flat plains, these machines can drive in perfectly straight lines for miles. This is called large-scale farming. It allows just one or two people to manage thousands of acres of crops, producing enough food to feed thousands of families.
A modern harvesting machine can clear a path about feet wide. If the field is flat, the machine can move at miles per hour without stopping for obstacles. 1. On flat land, the machine moves in a straight line. 2. On hilly land, the machine must slow down to miles per hour to stay safe. 3. The flat land allows the farmer to work more than times faster!
Which landform is most common in the Midwest region?
What is the primary reason the Midwest is called the 'Breadbasket'?
Flat land makes it easier for farmers to use large machinery like tractors.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain to a friend why you can't easily have a 'Breadbasket' in a mountainous region.
Practice Activity
Check your kitchen pantry! Look at the labels on your bread, cereal, or crackers to see if they list 'wheat' or 'corn' as the first ingredient.