The partnership between the rural agricultural industry and urban markets is integral to feeding the nation
ST. PAUL, MINN, Nov. 10, 2022 - This year, National Farm-City Week is observed from November 16 to 23. The annual observance started in 1955 and takes place during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. It celebrates and recognizes the partnership between rural and urban communities who prepare, transport, market, and retail our food.
We can’t talk about Thanksgiving without talking about turkey, pork, or agriculture in general. Minnesota is the 4th Largest Agricultural Exporting State in the Nation. Agricultural exports bring in roughly $7.1 billion a year to Minnesota and account for more than a third of the total exports for the state.
According to Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Minnesota has long been the turkey capital in the U.S., with around 42 million birds raised. The state turkey industry generates more than $1 billion in economic activity and provides more than 26,000 jobs.
Select Genetics, the country's largest turkey hatchery, is a local company in Willmar, MN. Minnesota is also home to Jennie-O Turkey Store, Turkey Valley Farms, and Northern Pride. These locally-owned operations bring turkeys from the farm to the table.
Turkey and pork go hand-in-hand on Thanksgiving. Minnesota ranks #2 in the nation for production of hogs. The state’s gross sales in pork for 2020 was $2.2 billion. In addition to raising hogs, this industry adds an additional 44,000 jobs: boosting both the agricultural economy and the overall state economy.
Midwest corn can’t be left out. Minnesota ranks #4 in corn production for the U.S. Fun Fact: More than half of corn production in the nation comes from just four states; Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Minnesota. According to Minnesota Corn, 30.1% of the U.S. produced corn goes to livestock and sweet corn production is less than 1%.
The partnership between the rural agricultural industry and urban markets is integral to feeding the nation. In celebration of National Farm-City Week, we would like to thank farmers and producers in rural communities who help provide high-quality food, fuel, and fiber, as well as the urban businesses that help along the way.
