Iowa’s hard working pig farmers are a vital component of the state’s economy, as shown by a new study released by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The data verifies Iowa’s status as the number one pork producing state in the nation, providing 33% of the U.S. hog inventory, and creating more than 120,000 jobs.
Providing Jobs, Economic Activity
Iowa’s 5,172 pig farms help create more than 64,000 jobs in the state from hog production, more than 39,000 from hog slaughter, and more than 16,000 from hog processing, totaling 120,231. The pork industry contributed $15.4 billion in value added to Iowa’s economy in 2024.
Iowa Pork Industry Economic Contribution By the Numbers:
- $15.4 billion in value added to the state’s economy.
- More than 120,000 jobs supported statewide.
- $8.0 billion in household income.
- $40.5 billion in total sales.
- More than $2.7 billion in taxes paid.
Breakdown of $15.4 billion in value added:
- $9.9 billion from hog production.
- $3.9 billion from hog slaughter.
- $1.5 billion from hog processing.
"The pork industry is the backbone of Iowa’s agricultural economy, driving billions in economic impact, creating thousands of jobs, and feeding millions of people across the world,” said Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman, IA who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “The work of pig farmers is essential to the strength and resilience of our communities and the future of American agriculture."
Pig farms with 2,000-4,999 head remain the most common in the state, comprising 31% of all pig farms in Iowa.
Iowa's hog cash receipts for 2023 totaled $9.328 billion, representing 34.3% of the U.S. hog cash receipts and 22.9% of Iowa's total cash receipts from all commodities. Hog inventory numbers set a record high in December 2023, with 25 million hogs on Iowa farms.
Click here to see more...