Iowa’s Famous Vegetables
Iowa is a major producer of agricultural goods, much of which are vegetables! Here are some of the state’s most popular produce:
Corn
Corn is by far the most widely produced crop in Iowa. The value of Iowa’s corn crop in 2015 was estimated to be $9.9 billion, making corn alone more than half the value of all the state’s agricultural products each year. Corn is used in a variety of products, from livestock feed to ethanol, and is an essential part of Iowa’s rural economy.
Soybeans
Soybeans are Iowa’s second largest crop, valued at around $3.5 billion in 2015. Soybeans are used in a variety of products, such as margarine, tofu, and milk substitute. Soybean meal is also widely used in the animal feed industry.
Other Vegetables
Iowa also produces other vegetables, such as:
- Potatoes – Iowa produces a variety of potatoes, including red potatoes, Yukon gold, and russet potatoes.
- Garlic – Garlic is a relatively new crop in Iowa, with the first commercial crop being planted in 2004. Iowa has since become home to numerous garlic farms.
- Onions – Onions are the fifth most valuable crop in Iowa and are used in everything from salads to soups.
- Tomatoes – Tomatoes are grown in greenhouses across the state, with Iowa’s commercial tomato production valued at around $1.8 million in 2015.
Iowa produces a variety of vegetables, but corn and soybeans are by far the most valuable in terms of the state’s economy. Whether you’re looking for a meal or something to feed your livestock, Iowa is sure to have something to offer!