Census of Agriculture in Southwest Minnesota

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts the Census of Agriculture every five years.
- “The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and many other areas.” USDA defines a “farm” as any operation with $1,000 or more of agricultural production.”

There were 8,333 farms in SW MN in 2007, up 2.8% from 2002.
61% of farms in SW MN (5,124) harvested corn in 2007;
58% harvested soybeans.
26% of farms in SW MN (2,203) had Cattle in inventory in 2007
11% had hogs, 4% sheep.
An average farm in Minnesota was 332 acres in 2007.
Median Farm in Minnesota was 148 acres in 2007.
10% of farms in SW MN were >1,000 acres in 2007.
Almost half of farms in SW MN reported sales over $100k in 2007.
15% of farms in SW MN had >$500k sales in 2007.
Average farm in SW MN realized ~$280,000 for Production, ~$211,000 Expenses in 2007.
¾ of all Americans use the Internet; 2/3 of farms in SW MN.

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