Final answer:
The excess corn grown in the U.S. has led to the development of the biofuels industry, particularly ethanol production, and has become a dominant feed source for livestock due to government policies. Additionally, NAFTA has influenced corn's role in trade, while plant biotechnology and climate change have also had significant impacts on corn production and use.
Step-by-step explanation:
Industries that have developed from the excess corn grown in the US include the biofuels industry, particularly for the production of ethanol, which is used to blend with gasoline. Additionally, due to the surplus and low cost of corn, it has become a major feed source for cattle, hogs, and chickens, effectively transforming meat production. The government policies affecting the pricing of corn and its products have led to its dominance as a feed source over natural diets like grass or hay. Moreover, corn has also been impacted by NAFTA policies, which have facilitated its export to Mexico, subsequently affecting the agricultural balance and biodiversity concerning indigenous maize varieties.
Corn's versatility has also led to its use in other domains such as home heating through corn pellet stoves and in food products, where plant biotechnology has played a significant role in modifying corn for various applications. The shift in climate has altered growing seasons, which contributes to the increase in corn production over other crops such as wheat, further highlighting the agricultural reliance on corn.