With less than 2 percent of Americans producing the nation’s food and fiber, it is easy to overlook how important agriculture is to Missouri’s economy. It has a statewide economic impact of $93.7 billion, while employing more than 456,000 workers on 95,000 farms. It once again is the state’s top economic driver, gaining and giving support to each type of community.
This is why the Missouri Department of Agriculture is celebrating National Agriculture Week this week while also celebrating the state’s place in agriculture production nationally.
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“We are excited to celebrate National Agriculture Week, and we are proud that the industry remains alive and well in the Show-Me State,” Gov. Mike Parson said. “As a third- generation farmer, I’m committed to ensuring the next generations have the same opportunities we’ve had. We have a solid foundation in this state, and through initiatives like workforce deployment, infrastructure, rural broadband and others, we can help Missouri agriculture continue to thrive into the future.”
Missouri has other reasons to celebrate besides the economic success of farmers and ranchers, because St. Louis is home to the greatest number of plant scientists in the world and the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor maintains more than half of worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales.
Missouri is ranked nationally in the top 10 for these certain categories:
- Hay production — 2nd
- Number of farms — 2nd
- Beef cattle inventory — 3rd
- Rice production — 4th
- Goat inventory — 5th
- Hog inventory — 6th
- Turkey inventory — 6th
- Soybean production — 6th
- Cotton production — 6th
- Corn production — 9th
- Broiler chicken inventory — 9th
- Horse and pony inventory — 10th
“We are always excited to celebrate Missouri farmers and ranchers,” Director of Agriculture Chris Dunn said. “Their hard work maintains the state’s position nationally and ensures a bright future for the next generation of Missouri agriculturists.”
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice