Iowa kicked off its annual Ag Week on Monday, spotlighting the crucial role agriculture plays in the state's economy and heritage.
Iowa corn farmers, who produce over 2.5 billion bushels annually contributing $16 billion to the state's economy, are at the forefront of this celebration.
Stu Swanson, president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association and a farmer from Galt, emphasized the industry's far-reaching impact. "We like to say, you may think Iowa just grows corn. But the truth is corn grows Iowa," Swanson said.
Iowa leads the nation in corn production for livestock feed, fiber, and renewable ethanol fuel. The state's corn is also processed into ethanol, providing a cleaner-burning fuel option and high-protein livestock feed as a byproduct.
With 86,900 farms in Iowa, 97% family-owned, the agricultural community is working to supply corn globally while investing in research, market development, and education.
Iowa Corn invites residents to participate in Ag Week by:
- Fueling vehicles with Unleaded 88
- Purchasing corn-fed meat and dairy products
- Supporting local FFA and 4-H chapters
- Following Iowa Corn on social media
- Thanking those working in agriculture
The organization emphasizes that corn is used in over 4,000 everyday products, impacting all Iowans' lives.
