AMERICAN AGRICULTURE SPOTLIGHT: IOWA
AMERICAN AGRICULTURE SPOTLIGHT: IOWA
Iowa: More Than Just the First Caucus State—A Powerhouse of American Agriculture
Each presidential election cycle begins in Iowa, as the state hosts the nation’s first caucuses. For decades, political hopefuls have crisscrossed its small towns and rural landscapes, hoping to connect with Iowans whose votes set the tone for the campaign season. This unique privilege has given Iowa a front-row seat in American politics, but its significance stretches well beyond the political sphere.
Iowa is best known for its agricultural might. Nicknamed the “Food Capital of the World,” Iowa consistently ranks as a top producer of corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs in the United States. In 2023, Iowa led the nation in corn production, harvesting over 2.5 billion bushels, and continued its dominance in soybeans, producing more than 525 million bushels. The state’s agricultural industry contributes roughly $88 billion annually to the state economy and supports more than 300,000 jobs. Iowa is also the number one pork producer in the US, raising over 49 million hogs annually, and leads the country in egg production, producing about 14.3 billion eggs each year.
In addition to its well-known strengths in corn and soybeans, Iowa’s agricultural landscape is impressively diverse. With more than 84,900 farms operating across the state, Iowa farmers also cultivate oats, hay, and various specialty crops. Oat production in Iowa totaled over 2.1 million bushels in 2023, while hay and alfalfa contributed more than 3 million tons combined, supporting the livestock industry and generating millions in farm income. Specialty crops such as apples and pumpkins, though smaller in scale, are increasingly important niche markets. Financially, corn leads the way with annual cash receipts exceeding $9 billion, followed by soybeans at about $6.5 billion. Pork and egg production remain major earners, bringing in approximately $7.5 billion and $1 billion annually, respectively. With a population nearing 3.2 million people as of the 2023 estimate, Iowa’s rural and urban communities continue to benefit from the vitality of its agricultural sector, which remains the economic backbone of the state.
No discussion of Iowa's culture would be complete without a nod to its beloved state fair. The Iowa State Fair, held every August in Des Moines, is a showcase of rural pride and innovation. With more than a million visitors each year, the fair is renowned for its butter sculptures, livestock competitions, and inventive fried foods on a stick. It serves as a grand stage for agricultural excellence and brings together generations of Iowans to celebrate their heritage.
Interestingly, a distinct cultural gem within Iowa is the Amana Colonies, a group of seven villages established by German Pietists in the mid-1800s. The Amana Colonies have preserved many traditions from their founders, including communal living, craftsmanship, and delicious German cuisine. Visitors to the colonies can experience unique festivals, historic architecture, and artisanal shops, all echoing a rich heritage that has helped shape the state’s identity.
Finally, Iowa’s landscape is forever etched into American pop culture thanks to the 1989 film “Field of Dreams.” The movie’s iconic baseball diamond, nestled among the state’s endless cornfields, continues to draw fans from across the world, blending Iowa’s agricultural roots with its spirit of imagination and hope.
From determining presidential front-runners to feeding millions and celebrating deeply rooted traditions, Iowa’s economic and cultural contributions are as vast as its farmland. Iowa truly is, in more ways than one, a field of dreams for America.
Population: Approximately 3.2 Million
Number of farms: Approximately 85,000
Number of people employed by farming: Approximately 110,000
Top agricultural product in terms of dollars earned: Corn
Number one exported agricultural product: Soybeans
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Approximately $230 Billion
Five fun and unusual facts about Iowa
1. Iowa is home to the world’s largest “strawberry”—a giant fiberglass sculpture in Strawberry Point.
2. The famous Butter Cow, a sculpture made entirely out of butter, has been a tradition at the Iowa State Fair since 1911.
3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not once featured an Iowa town, Clermont, for never having a mayor.
4. The American Gothic House in Eldon, Iowa, inspired Grant Wood’s iconic painting “American Gothic.”
5. In Riverside, Iowa, there’s a monument claiming the town as the “future birthplace” of Star Trek’s Captain James T. Kirk.
