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Agriculture is a significant economic driver

A new study from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business shows that agriculture industries play a significant role in Indiana’s economy.  The report, Beyond the Farm: A State and Regional Report on the Economic Contribution of Farms, Forests and Related Industries, says agriculture contributes over $44 billion to the state’s economy.

Rosalind Leeck, director of grain marketing for the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council says there are three numbers that should stick out from the report.  “Forty-four billion; another is 188,600; and the third is 5 percent,” she says.  “Forty-four billion is what ag contributes to the Indiana economy; 188,600 is the number of jobs ag contributes to Indiana; and finally, agriculture represents 5 percent of Indiana’s GDP.”

Often times, Leeck says, agriculture isn’t looked at as a true economic driver, but a study like this shows exactly how important the industry is to the state.  “The numbers in this study is based off of USDA’s 2012 Census of Agriculture,” she says.  “That was the worst drought in Indiana’s history.  Even during a really tough year, agriculture still contributed $44 billion to Indiana’s economy.”

With more and more generations removed from the farm, Leeck says it’s important to have tangible figures to show the role agriculture plays in both the rural and state economies.