Iowa is recognized globally for its agricultural output, built upon some of the richest and most productive soil in the world. This fertile land, largely a result of deep glacial deposits, provides an ideal environment for cultivation across the state’s flat topography. Agriculture is a powerful economic engine, contributing over 22% of the state’s total economic output and employing nearly one in five Iowans. The state’s farming sector is dominated by large-scale commodity production that drives both national and international markets.
The Dominant Duo: Corn and Soybeans
The agricultural landscape of Iowa is defined by the production of two specific row crops, which together occupy approximately two-thirds of the state’s entire landmass. Iowa consistently ranks as the top producer of corn in the United States, with an estimated 2.63 billion bushels harvested in 2024. The vast majority of this harvest is field corn, a hard, dry grain distinct from sweet corn. This field corn is primarily directed toward industrial uses, including livestock feed and ethanol production.
A substantial 62% of the corn crop is used to create ethanol, making Iowa the nation’s leader in biofuel production and contributing nearly 30% of all American ethanol. The state’s livestock industry consumes around 370 million bushels annually for feed, supporting the state’s massive pork and beef operations. Corn is also processed into ingredients found in over 4,000 grocery store items, including starches, sweeteners, and oils.
The second major crop, soybeans, places Iowa as the second-highest producer nationally, with an estimated 598 million bushels harvested in 2024. Soybeans are processed to yield protein-rich soybean meal and oil. The meal is a primary component in animal feed, while the oil is used for cooking, industrial products, and biodiesel production.
These two crops are often grown in a systematic rotation, a practice that helps manage soil nutrients and control pests. This corn-soybean rotation is linked to the state’s livestock sector, as the crops provide the necessary feed for hogs and cattle. The economic influence of these commodities extends far beyond the farm gate, supporting a vast infrastructure for processing, transportation, and export.
Other Major Field Crops
Beyond the two dominant commodities, Iowa farmers cultivate other field crops that support the agricultural ecosystem. Hay and forages are grown extensively to support the state’s cattle and dairy industries, with production estimated at 3.49 million tons in 2024. Alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures account for a large portion of this total, providing high-quality feed for livestock.
Oats are another traditional grain crop, with an estimated 120,000 acres harvested for grain in 2024, yielding 10.3 million bushels. This grain is used as a cover crop in rotation, as livestock feed, and for human consumption in products like oatmeal. Other grains, such as wheat and sorghum, are grown in smaller quantities, often as part of a diversification strategy or as a rotational crop.
Specialty and Local Produce
Specialty crops are grown across Iowa, serving local food systems. Vegetables like sweet corn, pumpkins, tomatoes, and green beans are commonly grown for direct-to-consumer sales at farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Specialty fungi, including Shiitake, Oyster, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, are cultivated in controlled environments for local restaurants and grocers.
The state’s fruit production includes apples, which are popular for orchards that offer direct sales and agritourism experiences. Viticulture is a growing sector, with grapes cultivated for a developing local wine industry. Other niche crops, such as aronia berries and chestnuts, are being explored by farmers looking to diversify their operations. While these crops occupy a small fraction of the total acreage, they are important for farm income diversification and providing fresh, locally sourced food options.