Study shows Iowa ag drives state, local economies
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Iowa’s 86,911 family farms continue to be a key driver of Iowa’s economy, contributing 32 percent more to the state economy than in 2017, according to a new study commissioned by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF).
The study shows that more than 22 percent of Iowa’s total economic output came from Iowa agriculture in 2022.
The study analyzed data from the 2022 UDSA Census of Agriculture, USDA/NASS datasets, the IMPLAN modeling system, and the 2022 IMPLAN dataset to determine the contributions of Iowa agriculture.
The agriculture industry goes beyond just impacting the total economic output of the state. Nearly one in every five Iowans are employed due to agriculture and ag-related industries, accounting for more than 385,000 jobs.
“This study underscores how productive and innovative farmers continue to be, despite some very challenging times during Covid,” said Spencer Parkinson; of Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS) who conducted the study. “Infact, since the first report of this nature was completed by DIS in 2009, the labor income finding its source in agriculture and related industries has more than doubled, increasing from $12.6 billion to $25.8 billion in 2024 – these earnings benefit more than just those in agriculture, they support all Iowans.”
Even with this growth, Iowa’s farmers maintain their roots. More than 96 percent of farms in Iowa are family owned and operated with farm size averaging 345 acres.
It was noted that livestock farming, and related industries account for $20.4 billion in value-added contributions for the state, up nearly $5 billion from 2017. It also accounts for nearly 170,000 jobs across Iowa.
The study also noted that crop farming and processing account for 99,271 jobs, and $16.2 billion in value-added contributions to Iowa, up from $11.1 billion dollars in 2017.
For more information on the study and a county-by-county break out, visit: http://www.supportfarmers.com/resources/county-map/
