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Industries

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.

The world innovates here

Agriculture drives Iowa’s economy from the largest city to the smallest rural communities. Nearly 800,000 Iowans work in an agriculture-related job in a diverse set of industries and roles.

All sectors of Iowa agriculture are focused on increasing production in a sustainable way to meet the demands of a growing world population while protecting the natural resources for the next generation.

Learn more about Iowa’s leadership and opportunities in key agricultural industries.

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.

“In my opinion, there is no better place in the world to build ag technology than Iowa. For Mach, we are in close proximity to a lot of our ag-focused manufacturing customers and in a hot spot of cutting-edge technology development, especially with Iowa State’s AI program focused on agriculture.”

- Colin Hurd, CEO of MACH, which works with OEMs to provide autonomy solutions including perception, navigation, route planning, monitoring and connectivity.

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.

“Most solutions for complex problems require collective and diverse approaches.”

- Dr. Jason Ross, Iowa State University Animal Science Department Chair, shares about the collaborations across departments and with private and government organizations that are delivering solutions to producers.

Bioproducts

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.

“As I meet people from across the U.S., there is an expectation that the state of Iowa will lead in the development of practices and technologies that advance agriculture, biofuels, and biomass-based carbon dioxide removal.”

- Dr. Robert Brown, co-director of the Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute, on the carbon renewal research team Milestone Award from XPRIZE Carbon Removal competition.

Crop Genetics

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.

“In Iowa, we not only have our own world-leading research, development and testing facilities, but are also able to collaborate with students and professors at a leading research university, progressive farmers and retail partners, and a growing network of agricultural startup and scaleup companies that are bringing new and exciting technologies to market.”

- Sam Eathington, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Digital Officer at Corteva Agriscience, shares why Iowa stands apart.

Food Tech

Food Technology

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 100 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.

“To maintain innovation and support future development, we need the talents and energy of youth. The Youth Institute programs engage students and make them aware of the challenges we face. By inspiring young people to think about how to solve those problems, we will be able to continue to improve the overall agricultural and food system.”

- Paul Schickler, Chairman of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors, highlights the role that the World Food Prize plays in convening experts and inspiring young people to end hunger around the world.

Leadership drives innovation

“Iowa is known for how much we produce … but that is just part of the story. The hallmark of the pork industry and Iowa agriculture is that we’re always trying to do it better. Every crop year, every new herd, every day, innovating in ways to do it better.”

- Secretary Mike Naig, Iowa secretary of agriculture, shares how Iowa’s leadership in research and production drives innovation in the pork industry.

Some of the most innovative minds in agriculture came out of Iowa

George Washington Carver, Norman E. Borlaug, and Henry A. Wallace are just a few Iowa leaders recognized around the world for their contributions to agriculture and food security. Through the years, Iowa has continued that same spirit of innovation by doing everything it can — from its welcoming business environment, regulators who work with the industry, tax incentives, farmer-business partnerships and academic support — to add more names to that list.

Looking for more industry information?

Visit Iowa Economic Development Authority to learn more about the robust industries that come from our rich agricultural foundation.

Industries

The world innovates here

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

“Most solutions for complex problems require collective and diverse approaches.”

Bioproducts

Leadership in action

Infrastructure advantage

Bioproducts industry facts

Incentives for growth

“As I meet people from across the U.S., there is an expectation that the state of Iowa will lead in the development of practices and technologies that advance agriculture, biofuels, and biomass-based carbon dioxide removal.”

Crop Genetics

Fertile ground for growth

Collaborations

Industry facts

Food Technology

It all adds up

Leadership drives innovation

Some of the most innovative minds in agriculture came out of Iowa

Looking for more industry information?

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