Minnesota agricultural exports hit record high

Minnesota’s agricultural exports hit a record $6.8 billion last year, according to figures released by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This is up 13 percent or about $750 million over the previous year. The state’s top exported commodities – soybeans, corn, red meat, wheat, sugar, dairy, and feeds – accounted for more than 80 percent of the state’s total agricultural exports.

Agriculture is Minnesota’s second-largest exporting sector with major markets in China, Mexico, Japan, and Canada. Nationally, Minnesota is the 6th largest agricultural exporter in the U.S.

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson says more than one-third of the state’s total agricultural production is exported, representing a significant economic contribution to the state and its rural communities.

“These exports have a huge impact on our state’s economic health,” said Frederickson. “That’s why it’s important to continue our focus on developing and expanding export markets for Minnesota’s agricultural products.”

According to the MDA, agricultural exports support more than 54,000 jobs in Minnesota and generate additional economic and business activities in many non-ag sectors.

MDA is the lead state agency providing export assistance for agriculture and food producers. MDA works in partnership with the Minnesota Trade Office (MTO), which is the lead agency providing export assistance to other Minnesota manufacturers and service providers.

Here are the top exported commodities for 2011 and their values:

Soybeans - $1.6 billion

Corn - $1.3 billion

Pork - $740 million

Wheat - $459 million

Sugar and related products - $359 million

Dairy - $218 million

Feeds - $116 million

Beef - $111 million

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