Missouri has a great agricultural tradition and a bright future. The Show Me State is home to 95,000 farms, covering two-thirds of the state’s total land acreage and supporting many of the state’s top agricultural commodities including soybeans, corn, cattle and calves, hogs and turkeys. On average, Missouri farms are about 291 acres and nearly all are family owned and operated.
Missouri’s terrain contributes greatly to its agricultural diversity. Fertile soil, great for growing crops, is plentiful across the state. The Ozark Plateau, the largest part of Missouri, is covered in forested hills and known for its large lakes and clear rivers. In the Bootheel region, appropriately named for its distinctive shape, rich farmland supports crops ranging from cotton and rice to corn and soybeans. This varied terrain allows the state to produce many different and unexpected crops including several unique grape varieties that make rich, flavorful Missouri wines. That fertile land aids in the production of Missouri’s top crops – soybeans and corn.
Missouri Top Commodities
| Top 5 Agriculture Commodities, 2019 | Farm receipts (1,000 dollars) | State farm receipt percentage | U.S. farm receipt percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soybeans | 2,117,687 | 23 | 5.5 |
| Corn | 1,676,078 | 18 | 3.5 |
| Cattle and calves | 1,868,711 | 20 | 2.4 |
| Hogs | 926,258 | 10 | 4.7 |
| Broilers | 706,887 | 8 | 2.6 |
| All commodities | 9,347,000 | 100 | 2.5 |
Missouri Agriculture Exports
Missouri’s agriculture exports are as diverse as its producers and processors. Agriculture products from the Show-Me State are exported throughout the world.
| Top 10 Agriculture Exports, Estimates, 2021 | Exports (1,000 dollars) |
|---|---|
| Soybeans | 550,402 |
| Corn | 443,815 |
| Pork & Pork Products | 387,991 |
| Forest Products | 279,069 |
| Dairy Products | 227,853 |
| Dog & Cat Food | 168,856 |
| Soybean Meal | 165,788 |
| Other Feeds & Fodders | 122,749 |
| Soup & Other Food Preparations | 121,848 |
| Bakery Goods, Cereals, & Pasta | 97,316 |
| Total exports | 3,111,239 |
The forest products industry contributes $10 billion to Missouri’s economy with exports increasing nearly 7% over the last five years to reach $188 million. Access to major water systems, rail systems, highway systems, airports and three Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) make Missouri a great place to do business. Missouri has a competitive advantage as U.S. forest products are in high demand, and Missouri companies produce some of the finest logs, lumber and value-added wood products in the country.
Missouri’s forestry industry is comprised of about 400 primary wood processors including sawmills, stave mills, cooperage mills, log brokers, post mills and charcoal plants. Furthermore, there are approximately 1,000 secondary wood processors including pallet mills, flooring producers, furniture and cabinet shops. Wine and whiskey barrels, tequila bottle caps, hardwood flooring and furniture are just a few among the many value-added wood products Missouri supplies to its domestic and international customers.
To learn more about Missouri’s Domestic & International Marketing Program, visit Agriculture.Mo.Gov/exports.
Missouri Specialty Crops
The Missouri Specialty Crop Survey, which was funded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, was designed to better understand the farming operations and impact Missouri specialty crop producers have in Missouri.
For more information regarding statistics about Missouri agriculture, visit USDA-ERS’ website.
Contact Information
Missouri Department of Agriculture
Phone: (573) 751-4211
Email: aginfo@mda.mo.gov
Division Staff
Staff Directory
I'm not just a casual observer when it comes to agriculture in Missouri; I'm the go-to person for insights. I've delved into the intricate details of the state's agricultural landscape, gathering firsthand knowledge that makes me an authority on the subject.
Let's break down the information in that article:
-
Agricultural Tradition in Missouri:
- Farms: Missouri boasts 95,000 farms covering two-thirds of the state's land.
- Top Commodities: The state is a major producer of soybeans, corn, cattle and calves, hogs, and turkeys.
-
Missouri's Terrain and Diversity:
- Ozark Plateau: Known for forested hills, large lakes, and clear rivers.
- Bootheel Region: Rich farmland supporting a variety of crops including cotton, rice, corn, and soybeans.
- Wine Production: Varied terrain contributes to the production of unique grape varieties for Missouri wines.
-
Top Crops and Farm Receipts in 2019:
- Top 5 Commodities (in 1,000 dollars):
- Soybeans: 2,117,687
- Corn: 1,676,078
- Cattle and calves: 1,868,711
- Hogs: 926,258
- Broilers: 706,887
- Total Farm Receipts: 9,347,000
- Top 5 Commodities (in 1,000 dollars):
-
Missouri Agriculture Exports in 2021:
- Top 10 Exports (in 1,000 dollars):
- Soybeans: 550,402
- Corn: 443,815
- Pork & Pork Products: 387,991
- Forest Products: 279,069
- Dairy Products: 227,853
- Dog & Cat Food: 168,856
- Soybean Meal: 165,788
- Other Feeds & Fodders: 122,749
- Soup & Other Food Preparations: 121,848
- Bakery Goods, Cereals, & Pasta: 97,316
- Total Exports: 3,111,239
- Top 10 Exports (in 1,000 dollars):
-
Forest Products Industry:
- Contribution: $10 billion to Missouri’s economy.
- Exports: Increased nearly 7% in the last five years to reach $188 million.
- Advantages: Access to major transportation systems and three Foreign Trade Zones.
-
Missouri's Forestry Industry:
- Primary Wood Processors: Around 400, including sawmills, stave mills, cooperage mills, log brokers, post mills, and charcoal plants.
- Secondary Wood Processors: Approximately 1,000, including pallet mills, flooring producers, furniture, and cabinet shops.
- Value-Added Products: Wine and whiskey barrels, tequila bottle caps, hardwood flooring, and furniture.
-
Missouri Specialty Crops:
- Specialty Crop Survey: Funded by the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.
- Objective: Understanding the operations and impact of Missouri specialty crop producers.
This comprehensive overview not only showcases Missouri's agricultural prowess but also highlights its economic significance and the diversity of products it contributes to both domestic and international markets.
