1. Census of Agriculture 2007 Farms & Farming in Southwest Minnesota
John C. Shepard, AICP
Development Planner
Southwest Regional Development Commission
12 March 2009

2. 2007 Census of Agriculture
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts the Census of Agriculture every five years.
“The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and many other areas.” USDA defines a “farm” as any operation with $1,000 or more of agricultural production.”

3. 2007 Census of Agriculture
There were 8,333 farms in SW MN in 2007, up 2.8% from 2002.

4. 2007 Census of Agriculture
61% of farms in SW MN (5,124) harvested corn in 2007; 58% harvested soybeans.

5. 2007 Census of Agriculture
26% of farms in SW MN (2,203) had Cattle in inventory in % had hogs, 4% sheep.

6. 2007 Census of Agriculture
An Average Farm in Minnesota was 332 acres in 2007.

7. 2007 Census of Agriculture
Median Farm in Minnesota was 148 acres in 2007.

8. 2007 Census of Agriculture
10% of farms in SW MN were >1,000 acres in 2007.

9. 2007 Census of Agriculture
Almost half of farms in SW MN reported sales over $100k in 2007.

10. 2007 Census of Agriculture
15% of farms in SW MN had >$500k sales in 2007.

11. 2007 Census of Agriculture
Average farm in SW MN realized ~$280,000 for Production, ~$211,000 Expenses in 2007.

12. 2007 Census of Agriculture
¾ of all Americans use the Internet; 2/3 of farms in SW MN.