Final answer:
The fertile and flat lands of the Midwest contribute to its designation as the United States Farm Belt, an area known for its extensive agricultural production, especially the Corn Belt. The Midwest remains a key food-producing region, with Chicago serving as a historical agricultural market hub.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fertile and flat lands of the Midwest help it to be known as the United States Farm Belt. This region is sometimes called America's breadbasket due to its rich agricultural production. The Midwest and the Great Plains are recognized for their vast and highly fertile lands, particularly suitable for crops such as corn, soybeans, and other grains, with the Corn Belt being a significant area within the region. These lands were once covered by tallgrass prairies, which have since been transformed into some of the most productive agricultural land in the world.
The city of Chicago has historically been a central market town for the livestock and grain produced in the surrounding states, aided by an extensive network of rail lines. The Midwest still retains its importance as a significant food-producing area, despite the mechanization of agriculture and decreasing number of farmers.