It’s no secret that agriculture is vital to the American economy. Each state is unique in its ability to produce, add value to, and package products that not only make up our own food supply, but also fuel a booming global export industry that continues to thrive, despite the current economic climate.
Recently, the Federal Reserve even tagged agriculture as the one industry equipped to lead the charge from recession to recovery. Unfortunately, some in Congress are looking to put the brakes on that momentum by weakening necessary farm policy.
Over the course of the next few months, Farm Policy Facts will publish a series of profiles highlighting each state’s contribution to the country’s much needed export-based revenue, our domestic food and fuel supply, and the future of the American economy.
Click on one of the states below to read more. Don’t see your state yet? Email us at info@farmpolicyfacts.org to request a profile and we’ll add it to the list!
North Dakota
This state’s motto is “Strength from the Soil.” It appears on the coat of arms, as well as the governor’s flag And for good reason. North Dakota literally draws its economic strength straight from the soil—almost 90 percent of which is dedicated to farming. Read more…
Georgia
Tourists may go to Georgia to pick the peaches, but the state’s agricultural production reaches far beyond those bountiful branches. Georgia ranks first in the country in production of peanuts, pecans, rye, eggs and broilers. In fact, Georgia produces almost half of the peanuts produced in the United States each year—an operation that valued more than $400 million in 2009 alone, much larger than the peach crop sales in the same year, which totaled $60 million. Read more…
Michigan
While Michigan may be known for its lakes and its cars, its economy is fueled by ten million acres of land: farmland that is. Michigan can grow more than 200 products that contribute to the nation’s food and fiber supply-making it the second most diverse agricultural state in the nation and a virtual America in miniature. Read more…
Oklahoma
As the 46th state to join the Union, Oklahoma may have been a little late to the party, but when it arrived, it had plenty to offer. Aside from the strong winds and thunderstorms that Oklahoma is known for (thanks to a popular show tune), the state is blessed with a productive agricultural system, the likes of which is celebrated in that same musical number. Read more…
Iowa
Located in the middle of the heartland, Iowa has developed a reputation for being everything that is quintessential America. It’s hard to believe it ever belonged to France. Thankfully, our founding fathers had the foresight to purchase the territory that would one day become a booming economic engine and top agricultural exporter. Read more…
Maryland
Though not often thought of as a Mecca for farmers—as one of the original 13 colonies, Maryland and has always been a major player when it comes to agriculture and this country’s economy. In fact, agriculture is Maryland’s largest industry, supporting over 350,000 jobs and generating more than $2 billion in revenue. Read more…
Minnesota
It may be the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but in Minnesota, agriculture reigns supreme. With 81,000 farms occupying about 26.9 million acres of farmland—almost half of the state—Minnesota leads the nation in the production of several commodities including sugar beets, turkeys, and oats, as well as sweet corn and green peas for processing. Read more…
Nebraska
Nebraska is well known for its high rate of agricultural production. The state leads the nation in per capita agricultural output, generating about $15 billion—five percent of the U.S. total—despite being the 13th least populous state with just over 1.8 million residents. Read more…