Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers study shows ag contribution to Iowa economy rose 32% from 2017-22.

A new study commissioned by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) reveals a significant increase in the importance of agriculture to Iowa’s economy between 2017 and 2022.

Iowa’s 86,911 family farms are a key driver of Iowa’s economy, contributing 32% more to the state economy than in 2017. Additionally, more than 22% of Iowa’s total economic output came from Iowa agriculture in 2022.

The CSIF study, which analyzed data from the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture and other sources, indicates that nearly one in every five Iowans are employed due to agriculture and ag-related industries, accounting for more than 385,000 jobs. 

“The CSIF study provides deep analysis into Iowa agriculture, but the key takeaway is certainly Iowa agriculture’s key role driving Iowa’s economy thanks to the innovation and productivity of our family farms,” said Iowa Farm Bureau President Brent Johnson. “The data shows the resiliency of Iowa agriculture over the past few years, and it provides optimism for new opportunities.” 

The new CSIF study underscores how productive and innovative Iowa farmers have been since 2017, despite the challenging COVID years, said Spencer Parkinson of Decision Innovation Solutions (DIS), the Iowa-based analytics firm that conducted the study.

“In fact, 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,” Parkinson said. “These earnings benefit more than just those in agriculture; they support all Iowans.”

Even as it helps propel Iowa’s economic growth, agriculture maintains its family-owned roots, the CSIF study showed. More than 96% of farms in Iowa are family owned and operated, with farm size averaging 345 acres.

Livestock key

CSIF Executive Director Brian Waddingham said the agriculture industry remains a vital part of Iowa communities. 

“We see this every time we host an open house with livestock farmers,” Waddingham said. “It’s common to see hundreds of community members attend to celebrate what a new barn means to their community: jobs, kids in school and a boon to local business.”

Livestock production and businesses that support animal agriculture headlined agriculture’s total contribution to the Iowa economy. 

The livestock sector accounts for $20.4 billion in value-added contributions for the state, up nearly $5 billion from 2017, with nearly 170,000 jobs across Iowa.

“It’s a testament to the tenacity of livestock farmers, in particular, who have persevered through a global pandemic, low commodity prices, tariffs and Mother Nature to actually see an increase in economic output related to livestock in the state,” Waddingham said. 

“There’s no question that the livestock industry is a critical piece in Iowa’s overall economy. It’s also key to keeping farm families living and working on the land.”

Diverse farms

In the 20 years since it was formed, CSIF has assisted more than 5,300 farm families in growing their farms responsibly and bringing young people back to rural Iowa. Diversification is a key component to Iowa’s thriving livestock industry, Waddingham said.

“Calls to CSIF for assistance remain high as farmers want to discuss which options are best for their farms,” Waddingham said. “Whether it’s a new and beginning farmer or an existing and well-established farmer calling us, there is a great deal of optimism about adding livestock to the farm.”

He noted that calls for assistance include concerns over Iowa Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inspections, neighbor relations, and siting new livestock and poultry barns, as well as raising shrimp. 

There are opportunities in Iowa’s livestock industry that will continue to evolve to provide farmers additional opportunities in the future, Waddingham said.

“As agriculture evolves, so will CSIF and the services we provide to ensure the success of livestock agriculture in our state,” he said.

The CSIF study also revealed 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 in 2017.

CSIF was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation, Midwest Dairy and the NC Poultry Association.

Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the Coalition at 800-932-2436. For more information on the study and county-by-county breakout, visit www.supportfarmers.com/resources/county-map/.