Minnesota Agriculture --
An Economic Giant

More than 20% of Minnesota's economy depends, directly or indirectly, on farming. Agriculture is a 6.5 billion dollar business in Minnesota, with crop and livestock production occurring on 87,000 farms averaging 343 acres each.

The Minnesota agriculture community is both a producer and a consumer of various products. Farmers buy everything from feed, machinery and equipment to computers, groceries, office supplies and miscellaneous services from vendors throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. This economic interdependence has created a vast network of farm-related businesses in the state. It is estimated that one of every six jobs in Minnesota is related to agriculture.

Minnesota farmers continue to help feed the world through export of crop and livestock products. Minnesota ranks seventh overall in exports of farm products, accounting for $1.76 billion in value. These figures are not actual exports, but are derived from Minnesota's contribution to U.S. production and/or sales. They reflect Minnesota's important stake in the national export market.

The State of Minnesota ranks in the top ten in virtually every category of crop and livestock production. It is first in sugar beet production; second in spring wheat, sweet corn and green peas for processing, turkeys, paddy wild rice, cheese and nonfat dry milk; and third in soybeans, oats, flaxseed, rye, hogs, pigs, mink, butter and honey.

MINNESOTA'S RANK AMONG STATES

Because agriculture plays such an important role in Minnesota's economic, social and cultural life, the state has developed an extensive and sophisticated support system of resources dedicated to farming.

• The University of Minnesota operates the College of Agriculture, Food, Environmental Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine. These colleges along other University departments are an important source of new information, research and technology for the rural community.
• The University of Minnesota Extension Service is operated jointly with county governments throughout Minnesota and the nation. The Extension service provides education and outreach services to farm families and others throughout Minnesota.
• The State of Minnesota Department of Agriculture regulates agriculture in the state, implements policies set by the Governor and the Legislature, and advocates for Minnesota farmers at state and federal levels.

• 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) involve youth in agriculture through programs funded by state, county and private contributions. Thousands of young women and men learn about responsible animal husbandry, farm management, environmental stewardship and leadership through 4-H and FFA activities.

• The Minnesota State Fair and nearly a hundred county fairs provide an annual opportunity to showcase the remarkable diversity of Minnesota agriculture, and to educate our urban neighbors about modern livestock and crop production.

In addition to these resources, farm families in Minnesota draw on the talents of a committed veterinary community and a network of commodity-specific producer associations that serve as a constant source of new information and education.