Here’s To Farmers
We noted National Farmers Day yesterday…which was historically known as “Old Farmer’s Day” for what that’s worth. I suppose it’s nice we have a day every year…but in reality, we really need to recognize our agribusiness industry at least three times each day…when we fill up a plate and enjoy a meal.
I’ve said many times that it takes much more strength and fortitude than I have to be a farmer, given that regardless of how well you do your job, it can all be for naught due to circumstances beyond your control—weather, government, etc.
According to an outlet called LawnStarter, Iowa ranks number seven in the country as “best state to start a farm or ranch”. They evaluated 42 different metrics in coming up with the ranking…including viability, good infrastructure, and suitable climate, as well as overhead and potential for return on investment.
Iowa ranked best in the country in increase in farmland area over the previous year…meaning opportunities are there for operations to grow in size. We’re number two in the number of critical access hospitals…and number two in the total market value of ag products sold.
Hard to get products to market with bad roads…and we’re fourth best in terms of road quality, as defined by the share of major roads in poor or mediocre condition.
We’re fifth best in the number of farm workers per 100,000 residents. The yearly average increase in per-acre farmland rental rate is pretty low here, with 35 states having a higher annual increase.
Last year’s derecho probably didn’t help us here, but we’re now 15th on the natural hazards index…and 18th in the average number of 90 degree or warmer days.
Given that the definition of “farm and ranch” was broad, being the seventh best place to start a new one is probably fine. They’d be hard pressed to find a better quality of life, though, than in a rural area in Iowa.
