March 20, 2023
Missouri Celebrates National Agriculture Week
National Ag Day is recognized March 21.
This week, the Missouri Department of Agriculture celebrates the state’s position nationally in agriculture production. Missouri is home to 95,000 farms, employs nearly 460,000 people in agriculture, forestry and related industries, and has an estimated economic impact of $93.7 billion. Agriculture remains the state’s number one economic driver, supporting both rural and urban communities from farm to fork.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Missouri’s economy, and we celebrate it year-round, especially during National Agriculture Week,” Governor Mike Parson said. “As farmers ourselves, the First Lady and I are dedicated to paving a successful path forward for future generations of agriculturalists. Through our efforts on infrastructure, rural broadband and workforce development, we are making great strides toward a bright tomorrow for Missouri agriculture.”
Missouri agriculture continues to advance through the agriculture technology industry in our state. St. Louis is home to the world’s largest concentration of plant scientists and the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor represents more than half of total worldwide animal health, diagnostics and pet food sales. Missouri also houses two of the largest river systems in the United States, which allow Missouri commodities to be distributed domestically and internationally.
“National Agriculture Week is a great opportunity to highlight the work Missouri farmers and ranchers put in each day,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “Thanks to their efforts, agriculture remains the top economic driver in the state. I love to see agriculturalists build on the firm foundation we’ve established in this state.”
Missouri agriculture ranks in the top 10 nationally in the following categories:
- Number of farms – 2nd
- Hay production – 2nd
- Beef cow inventory – 3rd
- Rice production – 4th
- Goat inventory – 5th
- Turkey inventory – 6th
- Soybean production – 6th
- Hog inventory – 6th
- Cotton production – 6th
- Broiler chicken inventory – 9th
- Corn production – 9th
- Horse & pony inventory – 10th
To learn more about Missouri’s rankings nationwide and economic impact, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov.