Prices work. They are an incentive wrapped in a signal.
* Lots of sun, so you can get many growing seasons.
* No pests (there's nothing else for them to live on)
* Few weeds to compete with what you are growing.
I know, I was surprised too.
This podcast goes into more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owieQnPYfT8
We don't live in a society where the govt allocates the best land for farming as farmland (yet). Normally, I am a proponent for agriculture...as long as it serves as supply for the US.
What's worrying, is how much of the agriculture is foreign owned, then shipped overseas.
https://www.azfamily.com/2022/12/28/wells-are-running-dry-dr...
However, your point about exports is accurate. I can’t find affordable alfalfa for my animals, because it’s all being shipped overseas where it fetches a higher price.