Final answer:
Corn, or maize, is central to diets and industry in the US, with sweet corn for direct consumption and field corn for processed products. The economy and policies significantly shape the corn industry, affecting pricing and usage in biofuels and animal feed.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maize, popularly known as corn in the US, has been a staple food since its domestication by indigenous people of Mexico. There are various types of maize, but most Americans are familiar with sweet corn, which can be consumed as corn on the cob or in canned and frozen forms. In contrast, field corn is primarily used for processed products such as cornmeal, cornstarch, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which are prevalent in many foods and beverages. The US farm policy's effect on corn pricing has led to its abundant supply and incorporation in various products, including biofuels like ethanol and animal feed. Understandably, corn is a significant agricultural crop and is the third-most planted field crop in the world, only after wheat and rice.