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AGRICULTURE |
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Minnesota is one of America's top agriculture producers. Agriculture is the foundation of Minnesota's economy, even though only a small fraction of the state's population is engaged in farming. Minnesota's agri-products are diverse, and provide a source of food and clothing for today's consumer population.
Agriculture provides opportunities for developing many other industries in the state as well, such as manufacturing, transportation, and wholesale and retail trades. This industry accounts for nearly one-fifth of Minnesota's overall economic activities. One out of every five Minnesota workers has a job that is directly or indirectly related to agriculture.
But Minnesota's agriculture is facing many new challenges: Food, safety, changes in consumer demands, environmental protection, sustaining rural communities, and developing new products and markets. Minnesota is confident however that its farmers' tradition of hard work and innovation will help Minnesota meet these challenges in the 21st Century. |
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The shaded area above is acerage of Minnesota farmland. In 2003, net farm income was up 213% from 2002. Cash receipts from farming totaled $8.59 billion in 2003, and total value of crops sold increased 6% from 2002. |
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Minnesota is the 7th largest agriculture exporting state, and ranks 5th among states for raw numbers of farms. The top five commodities are: soybeans, corn, livestock, wheat, and pressed vegetables. The combined value of all livestock and poultry on Minnesota farms was $2.6 billion in 2003. Minnesota ranks #1 for the following in numbers: sugarbeets, sweet corn, green peas, and TURKEYS!
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FACT: Asia is the largest regional market for Minnesota's agriculture exports, with a marketshare of 36% in 2002.
FACT: Employment in agriculture and the food industry accounts for 16% of total Minnesota jobs.
FUN FACT: Minnesota has 310,000 milk cows and 395,000 beef cows!
FUN FACT: There are 6,500,000 hogs in Minnesota! That's a lot of bacon, YUM! |
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Some historical data referencing a typical Minnesota farming county. Notice today's relative number of crop acres versus the major drop in 1935 during the Great Depression. Also notice the relative boom years following the New Deal and WW II, especially for... Flax. |
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HOME |
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GO TO CHAPTER 7... |
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