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
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Rural population growth and stabilizing economic indicators point to post-pandemic recovery, but uneven income, shifting industries, and regional divides remain key challenges for rural communities.
Large-scale land purchases signal rising competition for ranchland, reinforcing its value while reshaping long-term access and control in rural agriculture.
Brian Earnest, an animal protein economist with CoBank, shares insights into current demand trends and the challenges facing broiler production.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Wed, 1/21/26 – 7:30 PM ET
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share insights on building healthy habits and improving rural health in the year ahead.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs with the Oklahoma State University Center for Rural Veterinary Medicine shares insight into biosecurity, preparedness, and animal health concerns facing livestock producers as New World screwworm outbreaks continue in Mexico.
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.