Study Shows Iowa Pork Industry is Vital to State’s Economy

Iowa’s hard working pig farmers are a vital component of the state’s economy, as shown by a new study released by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. The data verifies Iowa’s status as the number one pork producing state in the nation, providing 33% of the U.S. hog inventory, and creating more than 120,000 jobs.

Providing Jobs, Economic Activity

Iowa’s 5,172 pig farms help create more than 64,000 jobs in the state from hog production, more than 39,000 from hog slaughter, and more than 16,000 from hog processing, totaling 120,231. The pork industry contributed $15.4 billion in value added to Iowa’s economy in 2024.

"The pork industry is the backbone of Iowa’s agricultural economy, driving billions in economic impact, creating thousands of jobs, and feeding millions of people across the world,” said Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman, IA who serves as president of the Iowa Pork Producers Association. “The work of pig farmers is essential to the strength and resilience of our communities and the future of American agriculture."

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Originally published by Iowa Pork Producers Association in January 2025.