North Dakota Agriculture is Important

          A recent study by researchers at NDSU says agriculture contributes nearly $31 billion to the state’s economy and more than 110,00 jobs.  The study indicates that about one out of every five jobs in the state is supported by agriculture. This includes about 43,000 jobs directly involved in agricultural production and over 67,000 jobs supporting the industry.

          What do North Dakota farms and ranches produce? Are North Dakota producers important nationally? Here are a few commodities and North Dakota’s rank in their production by state:

• All Wheat –2^nd
  • Hard Red Spring Wheat – 1^st
  • Durum – 1^st
• Barley – 3^rd
• Oats – 3^rd
• Rye – 2^nd
• All Sunflower – 2^nd
  • Oil Sunflower – 2^nd
  • Non-oil Sunflower– 2^nd
• Canola – 1^st
• Soybeans – 10^th
• Flax – 1^st
• All Dry Edible Beans – 1^st
  • Pinto Beans – 1^st
  • Navy Beans – 3^rd
  • Black Beans – 3^rd
• Chickpeas – 4^th
• Dry Edible Peas – 1^st
• Lentils – 2^nd
• Sugarbeets – 3^rd
• Beef Cows – 9^th
• Honey – 1^st

Those are some pretty impressive numbers. Yes, North Dakota Agriculture is important!