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Study shows corn farming a major driver for U.S. economy

The chief economist with the National Corn Growers Association says a new study shows corn farming is a major driver of the U.S. economy.

Krista Swanson says it reaches over 500 different industry sectors in all 50 states.

“In 2024, corn farmers in the United States grew 14.9 billion bushels of corn that was valued at $64.7 billion.”  She says, “But things like input suppliers tying those in, and we’re looking at an output of $123 billion.”

She tells Brownfield that corn farming supported over 440,000 jobs and provided $29 billion in wages last year.

“Where are those wages going?”  She says, “A lot of those are located in rural America, but also across the entire nation because there’s those linkages in all 50 states, even in areas where we don’t have corn production.”

Swanson says higher corn prices would further increase corn farming’s value to the economy, which is why expanding demand is critical.

“This shows that when we can have higher value for our corn that flows through, and like I said, has this ripple effect throughout the economy, and allows us to make an even greater impact,” she says.

She says NCGA is prioritizing its advocacy efforts for expanded trade markets and the nationwide, year-round sale of E-15.

AUDIO: Krista Swanson – NCGA