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Leading the way

Iowa is not only the epicenter of global agricultural production and research, it is also where the next generation of innovations are being developed to sustainably meet the demands of a growing world population.

There’s a reason Iowa is capturing attention from around the world. From our business-friendly nature to our family-friendly communities and wallet-friendly cost of living, Iowa stands out as a top place for investment, innovation and a life well lived.

It starts here

The world needs a place where innovation, science and technology converge to solve global challenges.

Live local, work global

"What stands out to me about Iowa is the opportunity to live local and work global. I get to collaborate with incredibly talented people in the state, across the country and around the world. It’s a unique blend of small-town roots and global reach."

Greg Christensen, John Deere marketing manager for small tractors and high value crops, shares why he chooses to live and work in Iowa.

Where We Lead

It’s no secret that Iowa leads in agricultural production. Fertile soils, progressive farmers and a rich heritage of extension and pioneering agricultural entrepreneurs have built a strong foundation for the state’s leadership that goes well beyond the farmgate.

Advanced Manufacturing

Innovation in action

It’s no wonder the leading names in global food and agriculture manufacturing have a presence in Iowa. From equipment to grain bins and the advanced robotics, automation and predictive analytics that are powering the future for farmers and the entire food chain, some of the most exciting ag technologies are pioneered here.

Developing tomorrow’s technology

When the world’s leaders develop the next generation of food and ag technologies, they come to Iowa. The opportunity to partner with experts at Iowa State’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab, for example, CIRAS, ISU Research Park and be in close proximity to forward-thinking farmers and livestock producers is the perfect combination for developing and testing new products and technologies.

Industry facts

Advanced manufacturing is Iowa’s largest industry, contributing $30 billion to the state each year.
More than 4,100 manufacturing facilities employ 15% of Iowa’s workforce, many delivering products to serve farmers and the agriculture industry.
Iowa’s industrial construction costs are 18% below the national average.

Animal Science

Leading every step of the way

Number one in pork production and egg production, and in the top 10 states for beef production and turkey production. Not only is Iowa home to the most productive and innovative livestock producers in the world, those producers are supported by the strongest base of researchers and industry professionals to deliver new technologies and information to care for animals and improve sustainability and productivity.

The epicenter for animal health

Iowa is a hub of animal health and vaccine development. Five global brands in the animal health sector have operations in the state, in addition to the cutting-edge research at Iowa State University, Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine and USDA’s National Animal Disease Center, National Veterinary Services Laboratory and the Center for Veterinary Biologics, all located in Ames.

Industry facts

Iowa has the 2nd highest concentration of animal scientists in the country.
Iowa is the No. 1 producer of corn, pork and eggs.
Five global brands in the animal health sector have operations in Iowa.

Food Processing

It all adds up

The combination of Iowa’s fertile ground for raising crops, industry-leading livestock production, food science expertise, and transportation infrastructure makes the state the perfect fit for food processors of all sizes. More than 1,000 Iowa food processors generate nearly $39 billion worth of food products annually.

From border to border, some of the biggest names in grain and meat processing have facilities in the state. In addition to global brands, a robust network of smaller processors serve regional markets and support larger facilities.

Science and research drive innovation

With a 129% higher concentration of food scientists than the national average, it’s no surprise that innovations are happening every day. Universities, global brands, regional leaders and startups are all contributing to the next generation of technologies that will make our food supply safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

Industry facts

29 of the largest food manufacturers have Iowa operations.
Iowa is No. 1 in corn, pork and egg production.
Iowa's industrial construction costs are 18% below the national average.

Advancing food security

Iowa is home to the World Food Prize Foundation, which works to elevate innovations and inspire action to sustainability increase the quality, quantity and availability of food for all. Each year, a World Food Prize laureate is recognized for their work in advancing food security and honored at a week-long series of events in Des Moines.

Dr. Norman Borlaug sparked the idea of the World Food Prize after he received the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize for his lifetime of work to increase agricultural production in Mexico, Asia and Latin America. He envisioned the prize as a way to establish role models who would inspire others.

The Borlaug Dialogue and other events hosted by the World Food Prize bring together global experts, elected officials and scientists to address the most pressing issues in food security and nutrition, and Youth Institutes inspire and prepare the next generation to address food security around the world.

Plant Science

Fertile ground for growth

It’s no surprise that having some of the most fertile soil in the world has led to some of the most groundbreaking innovations in crop genetics, plant science and soil science being developed in Iowa. From George Washington Carver’s studies at Iowa State University to Henry Wallace’s pioneering work with hybrid corn, our crop genetic roots run deep.

Today, some of the most cutting-edge research in the world is happening at global leaders, startups and university labs across Iowa. In fact, Iowa has the third most plant and soil scientists at work of any state.

Collaborations

Have a great idea? The opportunities to collaborate are endless in Iowa’s plant science ecosystems. The largest global seed and crop protection brands, along with regional leaders, agricultural cooperatives, consultants and agronomy providers, are working with farmers every day to understand the challenges that the next generation of ag technologies need to address.

Iowa State University brings its land grant legacy to the modern world with cutting edge research and collaboration. Researchers at collaborative centers including ISU Plant Sciences Institute, Center for Crops Utilization Research, BioCentury Research Farm and more are applying scientific research to bring products and technologies to commercial scale to benefit farmers in Iowa and beyond.

Industry facts

Home to the third-most plant and soil scientists of any state.
Iowa leads the nation in corn production.
ISU Experiment Station scientists successfully brought in more than $300 million in external funding to address critical needs and expand scientific frontiers.

Renewables & Bioprocessing

Leadership in action

Simply put, Iowa is the nation’s renewable fuels leader. Building on leadership in production of corn, soybeans and other commodities, Iowa researchers and innovators have found hundreds of new uses and benefits for these products that deliver benefits to consumers, communities and the environment alike.

Iowa leads the country in ethanol, biodiesel and wind energy production (as a percentage of total power output), with an established infrastructure to support new and growing bio-based ventures. In addition, we lead the nation in energy generated from renewable resources, with 64% of the state’s electricity derived from renewable energy.

Infrastructure advantage

For companies looking to start or grow a bio-based or renewable business, Iowa’s research and commercial infrastructure is second to none. Collaborate with world-class scientists at Iowa State University’s BioCentury Research Farm, BioEconomy Institute, Center for Bioplastics and Biocomposites or the University of Iowa Center for Biocatalysts and Bioprocessing, or find a home at the ISU Research Park along with other industry leaders.

Bioproducts industry facts

Iowa is #1 in wind energy, with 63.8% of Iowa’s total power output coming from renewable sources.
27% of total U.S. ethanol production comes from the 41 operating ethanol plants in the state.
Our 11 operating biodiesel refineries have the capacity to produce 21% of U.S. total biodiesel production.

Incentives for growth

Iowa offers the Renewable Chemical Production Tax Credit. The program incentivizes the production of 30 high-value chemicals derived from biomass feedstocks. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the credit represents the “strongest” incentive package for the bio-based chemical industry.

The program addresses the unique opportunity to advance Iowa’s economy by focusing on the development of biomass as feedstocks for the production of renewable chemicals.

Ideas grow here

“Iowa’s unique combination of forward-thinking farmers, global agricultural leaders, world-class research and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem make it the perfect place for the next generation of ideas to start and grow.”

Billi Hunt, executive director of America’s Cultivation Corridor, shares her perspective on what sets Iowa apart for entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders.

Let's Connect

Have a question? Want to get connected with the most vibrant ag industry on earth? Let us know!

Complete the online form and a member of our team will be in touch.

Leading the way

It starts here

Live local, work global

Where We Lead

It’s no secret that Iowa leads in agricultural production. Fertile soils, progressive farmers and a rich heritage of extension and pioneering agricultural entrepreneurs have built a strong foundation for the state’s leadership that goes well beyond the farmgate.

Advanced Manufacturing

Innovation in action

Developing tomorrow’s technology

Industry facts

Animal Science

Leading every step of the way

The epicenter for animal health

Industry facts

Food Processing

It all adds up

Science and research drive innovation

Industry facts

Advancing food security

Plant Science

Fertile ground for growth

Collaborations

Industry facts

Renewables & Bioprocessing

Leadership in action

Infrastructure advantage

Bioproducts industry facts

Incentives for growth

Ideas grow here

Let's Connect

Have a question? Want to get connected with the most vibrant ag industry on earth? Let us know!

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