BUSINESSTOOLS GROW
| NETWORK
|
PROFIT
R ES O U RC ES T H AT H E L P YO U R B US I N ESS G RO W
I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Entrepreneurism / Doing Good / Tech Strategies / Economy Central by Falcon Bank MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT
Economic Powerhouse Central Minnesota’s agribusinesses help anchor a robust local economy. By Lauren Heers
T
o be a resident of Central Minnesota is to be part of one of Minnesota’s strongest agricultural powerhouses. This is an industry that anchors a robust local economy, with the agricultural sector across Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties generating billions of dollars annually. In 2019, Stearns
County alone produced over $2 billion in total agricultural output, as reported by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). But how exactly do farming communities contribute to global markets, and what impact does this have locally? Products such as grains, oilseeds, dairy
Contributor ________ Lauren Heers is a University of Minnesota extension educator for small farms & local foods, serving Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne Counties.
28
BusinessCentral Magazine.com // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5
and livestock are integral to worldwide food and commodity supply chains. This connection ties small farming towns to the broader economy, fueling revenue streams that flow back into the community.
economies. This ecosystem benefits farms of all sizes, with small farms playing a particularly unique role in fostering vibrant local food systems — a growing component of resilient agricultural communities.
Agriculture’s Economic Ecosystem For farming communities, agriculture drives demand for a diverse range of services and industries. Farms rely on a network of businesses that, in turn, benefit from the patronage of farmers, farm workers, and their families. Feed stores, equipment suppliers, veterinary services, and skilled trades like mechanics and electricians are essential to farm operations, while restaurants and other service industries thrive on economic activity generated by the agricultural workforce and greater community. Agriculture supports over 388,000 jobs across Minnesota — approximately 10 percent of the state's employment, according to the MDA. And the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council reports that for every dollar generated by Minnesota's agricultural production, an additional $1.70 in related economic activity is created, amplifying the sector's influence on local and regional
The Rise of Small Farms While farmland consolidation dominated past decades, the resurgence of small farms is sparking renewed vitality in rural economies. These farms use direct marketing strategies like farmers markets and agri-tourism, including on-farm stands and u-pick operations. According to the 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, direct-to-consumer sales grew by $2.4 billion between 2012 and 2022, with agri-tourism income rising 33 percent from 2017. The growing interest in local foods reflects a shared desire to support agriculture at all scales, and initiatives like farm-to-school programs highlight community investments in strengthening food systems and educating future generations. Personal Connections For many, the connection to agriculture is deeply personal, rooted in the desire to know their food, the land it’s grown on, and the farmers who produce it. Community-