The ag industry adds about $10 trillion to the economy each year, a new report shows

The ag industry is a powerful economic driver and has seen strength in recent years.

New research shows the industry adds nearly $10 trillion to the economy annually, and while it is a stunning number, it is not as high as it once was.

New data was released this week from Feeding the Economy, a group of more than 30 ag groups, like the Farm Bureau and NASDA. This year’s report shows U.S. agriculture will add $9.5 trillion to the economy this year, along with 1,000,000 jobs. Last year the industry brought in $9.6 trillion.

Despite the decline, they found that agriculture has seen big growth since the pandemic, but they do remain cautious about continued pressure.

A big area of the report featured ag manufacturing. It shows jobs in that sector have fallen year over year, with around 30,000 jobs gone since 2020. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us this week on Market Day Report, and they say they have seen sales numbers decline in recent months, and are urging lawmakers to take action, starting with a Farm Bill.

Related Stories
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
Milk output is rising, but steep drops in Class I–IV prices are tightening margins heading into 2026.
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
Kip Eideberg with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers details its campaign spotlighting the people who build equipment vital to farming and food manufacturing.
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.