Minnesota is a major national player in livestock and farming
The state produces more than 20 major commodity and specialty crops. Some key Minnesota farm statistics:
• 68,000 farms in MN - over 90% are family farms
• No. 5 - in total U.S. agricultural production
• No. 5 - in U.S. crop production
• No. 7 - in U.S. livestock production
Minnesota produces a wide variety of crops that generate massive economic activity for the state. Major farm products produced by our farmers — and Minnesota's national rankings — include:
• No. 1 in turkeys, sugar beets and green peas for processing
• No. 2 in hogs and sweet corn for processing
• No. 3 in soybeans, spring wheat
• No. 4 in corn
• No. 5 in meat animals
• No. 7 in dairy cows
• No. 8 in milk and all wheat
• No. 9 in cattle and calves
Other farm products continue to grow in importance, especially those produced by smaller specialty farmers, organic farms and alternative farm operations. Here’s a look at Minnesota’s rankings within these emerging categories:
• No. 2 in dry beans
• No. 3 in sunflowers and oats
• No. 4 in canola
• No. 5 in mink pelts and milk goats
• No. 6 in red meat
• No. 7 in mohair, honey, barley, rye and snap beans
• No. 8 in potatoes and vegetables
• No. 10 in alfalfa
Sources: 2021 MDA Minnesota Agricultural Profile; 2020 USDA NASS Minnesota's Rank in U.S. Agriculture; 2020 DIS Economic Contributions of MN Ag and Forestry