By Scout Nelson
Farmers play an important role in feeding people, supporting local businesses, and protecting natural resources. National Farmer’s Day offers an opportunity to recognize their contributions to society.
In Minnesota, approximately 24,000 family corn farmers help strengthen the state's economy and create opportunities for people through food production, renewable fuel, education, research, and business growth.
1. Corn Farmers Provide Food Fuel and Everyday Products
Corn is an important crop with many uses beyond feeding livestock. Farmers grow corn that becomes food products such as cereal, flour, cornmeal, corn syrup, and corn oil. Corn also serves as a raw material for many household products, including soap, paper, diapers, batteries, and fireworks.
Corn also supports the production of ethanol, a renewable fuel made from plant materials. Ethanol makes up about 10% of each gallon of regular unleaded gasoline sold in the United States. One 56-pound bushel of corn produces approximately 2.8 gallons of ethanol, helping provide another use for the crop.
Minnesota has 18 ethanol plants that produce about 1.4 billion gallons of ethanol each year. These plants help create demand for locally grown corn while supporting fuel production and related businesses. Through these different uses, corn farmers contribute to food supplies, household products, and transportation needs.
2. Corn Farming Supports Jobs and Economic Growth
Corn farming creates economic opportunities across Minnesota. A 2025 analysis by the National Corn Growers Association reports that corn farming supports more than 37,000 jobs in the state and generates over $12.2 billion in economic output.
Grain exports also provide employment opportunities. The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council reports that grain exports support approximately 14,000 jobs in Minnesota. These jobs include work in farming, transportation, storage, processing, and international trade.
Corn production also supports the wider agriculture and forestry industries. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reports that these industries generate nearly $106 billion in total economic impact and support more than 380,000 jobs.
Farmers purchase supplies, use local services, hire workers, and sell crops to businesses that turn them into useful products. This activity helps rural towns and other communities maintain jobs and support local economic growth.
3. Farmers Strengthen Local Communities
Corn farmers contribute to their communities through public service, education, and youth programs. Many take part in school boards, church councils, community organizations, and other local groups. Their involvement helps communities address local needs and develop future leaders.
Through the Minnesota corn checkoff, farmers support organizations such as 4-H, FFA, Minnesota Agriculture & Rural Leadership, and Minnesota Ag in the Classroom. These programs help students learn about agriculture, develop leadership skills, and explore career opportunities.
Scholarships also help young people prepare for their futures. Since 2019, the Minnesota Corn Growers Association scholarship program has awarded $150,000 in college scholarships to 30 young adult members. These efforts support education and encourage more young people to take part in agriculture and related industries.
4. Farmers Invest in Research and New Technology
Agricultural research helps farmers improve crop production, manage costs, and protect natural resources. Since 2008, Minnesota corn farmers have invested more than $12 million through the corn checkoff in over 60 research projects. These projects involve the University of Minnesota, the USDA Agricultural Research Service, and other research partners.
The research focuses on improving crop productivity, making better use of nutrients, and protecting soil and water. Its findings help farmers make informed decisions based on scientific evidence.
Minnesota Corn has also invested more than $1 million in the University of Minnesota Extension's Nitrogen Smart Program. This program provides practical, research-based guidance to help farmers manage nitrogen more effectively.
In addition, the Minnesota Corn Innovation Grants program supports farmers who develop new ideas on their farms. These investments help turn practical farming experience into solutions that can improve agricultural production and environmental care.
5. Farmers Develop New Markets for Corn Products
Creating new markets helps farmers increase demand for their crops and supports businesses across agricultural communities. Minnesota corn farmers invest in consumer education, marketing, and infrastructure grants to expand access to E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol.
Since 2008, these investments have exceeded $35 million. Minnesota now has more than 550 fuel stations offering E15, making the state a leader in ethanol-blended fuels.
Farmers also support international trade through investments in the U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council and the U.S. Meat Export Federation. These efforts help expand export opportunities for agricultural products. Minnesota exported approximately $1.3 billion worth of corn in 2024, with most exports going to Canada and Mexico.
Corn farmers are also supporting new uses for corn and ethanol. Investments in start-up companies such as Lakril Technologies and Valerian Materials, along with research at the University of Minnesota Center for Sustainable Polymers, help explore new products made from agricultural materials. If these technologies grow, they could create additional demand for corn and provide new opportunities for farmers.
Corn Farming Builds a Stronger Future
Minnesota corn farmers contribute much more than crops. They supply materials for food and fuel, support jobs, strengthen communities, invest in research, and help develop new markets. Their work connects farms with schools, businesses, research centers, and consumers.
Continued investment in education, science, and new products can help farmers meet changing needs while supporting economic growth. Recognizing these contributions on National Farmer’s Day highlights the important role family farms play in building a stronger future for Minnesota and the nation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Corn