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.”

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Brinegar Family

Wapello County Farm Family Is Focused on the Future of Agriculture

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Dooyema Family

Sioux County Farm Family is Not Only a Leader Within Iowa Agriculture, But They Are Deeply Connected and Committed to Their Community

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Diane and Tony Streit have been running their family farm for 34 years alongside their three children, Lindsey, Courtney, and Logan, and now nine grandchildren.

Married in November 1986, Diane and Tony initially worked at a cattle facility in Kansas. They returned to West Bend, Iowa to help with the family farm, initially raising hogs and crops, eventually adding sheep to the operation, and trading hogs and sheep for cattle. “In 1990, we moved out to the family farm, and Tony’s parents moved to town. It was financially challenging for the first several years as we were just coming off the ’80s farm crisis,” Diane said.

Diane speaks fondly of raising their three children, Lindsey, Courtney, and Logan, on the farm. “It was a wonderful experience raising our children on the farm – having their dad working outside the door where they could hop in the truck or tractor for a ride was priceless,” she said. The children enjoyed immersing themselves in many activities, including making mud pies, playing olden days, and riding anything with wheels.

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“We of course take great care for biosecurity, and the cows’ peace of mind,” says Lynn Bolin, who with her husband Dan own and operate New Day Dairy. “The guests are never left alone down with the cows. Guests learn about cow care and comfort and the dairy supply chain. They also get to eat home-grown dairy products and even listen to Dan serenade the cows with his guitar.”

The enterprise has become one of the most unique and popular ag tourism destinations in the Midwest. But what isn’t unique about New Day Dairy is the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers’ role in its beginning. Helping site new dairies is just one of the ways CSIF helps farmers.

Dan, a 5th generation dairy farmer, and Lynn, a city girl, met at Iowa State University. After time abroad, including time in Turkey learning the dairy business there, they decided to come back to Dan’s family’s dairy farm in 2011 and build a new barn with the latest in milking technologies. Expanding Dan’s parents’ dairy operation required a new barn site. The existing dairy on the original 1890s farmstead sat tucked in a valley with poor drainage.

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Ag strong driver of Iowa’s economy

A recent study by the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) reveals a significant boost in agriculture’s role in Iowa’s economy from 2017 to 2022, with agriculture contributing 32% more to the state’s economy and representing over 22% of its total economic output. The study, which analyzed data from the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, shows that agriculture supports more than 385,000 jobs, with labor income from agriculture and related industries doubling since 2009, reaching $25.8 billion. Livestock production is particularly notable, accounting for $20.4 billion and nearly 170,000 jobs, despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuating commodity prices.

The CSIF study also highlights the continued importance of family-owned farms, with more than 96% of Iowa farms being family-operated. The study demonstrates the resilience and innovation of Iowa farmers, with crop farming and processing contributing $16.2 billion and 99,271 jobs, up from $11.1 billion in 2017. The findings reflect a thriving and evolving agricultural sector in Iowa, with diversification and adaptation being key to future success.

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The Push and Pull of Bulls and Bears

The July World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report from the USDA shows a mixed outlook for soybean production, with slight decreases in harvested area and production, leading to lower ending stocks for 2024/2025. Soybean prices are also forecasted to decrease slightly. Global soybean stocks see minor reductions, primarily due to lower stocks in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Kristin Stien, a grain marketing advisor, notes that the report did not present any major surprises, with more significant changes anticipated in the August report. The focus remains on weather conditions, crop growth, and global market dynamics, especially in the U.S., which faces challenges in export competition.

Scot Bailey of the Iowa Soybean Association points out potential discrepancies in the report due to unaccounted weather impacts and data accuracy concerns, emphasizing the need for better data collection.

The Iowa crop report highlights favorable weather conditions, with adequate moisture levels and good soybean crop progress. As temperatures rise, scattered thunderstorms are expected, but Iowa remains largely drought-free.

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Farm Fuel Tour – Harvest Kickoff Party

August 2 | Emmetsburg, IA

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Summer Soy Series Webinar

August 6| Online

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Iowa State Fair (ISF)

August 8-18 | Des Moines, IA

Schedule & More

August 10| Farm Bureau Park ISF

August 13| Grand Concourse ISF

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CSIF 20th Anniversary Celebration

August 14, 2024 | Des Moines, IA

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Good Farm Neighbor Award – Noelck Family

August 23 | Hampton, IA

Join the Coalition, The Big Show, and the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as we recognize the latest Good Farm Neighbor Award winners, the Noelck family – cattle and hog farmers in Franklin County!