Agriculture St. Peter’s economic roots run deep in diverse ways, but few businesses are as closely tied to its history as the agricultural community. Nicollet County’s rich farmland places itself among Minnesota’s top crop-producing regions. Nicollet County agricultural land totals some 250,000 acres. While St. Peter and North Mankato, on the county’s east side, dominate population, the central and western regions of Nicollet County -- near and around the communities of Nicollet, Lafayette, Courtland and Norseland -- are rich in farmland. The most recent statistics show the county ranks in the top quarter statewide in total agricultural production, including the second highest bushel per acre corn production in the state, according to a 2020 USDA report. One of Nicollet County’s top agricultural rankings is actually in the pork industry; Nicollet and several nearby counties frequently rank among the top producers in that industry.
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109 W. Grace St. - St. Peter
(507) 931-4700 • www.kindvetclinic.com
According to the most recent Minnesota Census of Agriculture in 2017, the total value of products sold in Nicollet County from agricultural operations was $339.31 million, with net income after expenses at $88.61 million. Its rich farmland helped contribute to record crop production throughout Minnesota in 2015. Record statewide corn production topped 1.4 billion bushels, while soybean production also hit record levels at over 364 million bushels. Three key farm regional and statewide organizations joined together in 2015, each celebrating 100 years in the region — the Nicollet County Farm Bureau, University of Minnesota Extension Service and United Farmers Cooperative (formerly Lafayette Farmers Co-op). Nicollet County agriculture is part of the state’s significant presence in the United States markets, with over $21 billion total, according to the department. Minnesota is the fourth largest agricultural exporting state in the U.S., topping $7 billion, accounting for one-third of the state’s total export market.
Farmers Elevator of Traverse 507-931-2112 or 1-800-290-2112 traversecoop.com St. Peter Community & Visitors Guide ‘21
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