Ag Book shows Iowa still leads in many areas

The latest compilation of agricultural statistics lays out Iowa’s leadership in the production of several products. Iowa Farm Bureau spokesman Aaron Putze says the “Facts on Iowa Agriculture” book lays out the numbers for egg production and everything else in 2001.Iowa led the nation again in the production, of soybeans, corn, pork and eggs. Putze says Iowa is also a leader in exports.The state ranks second overall in exports and first in soybeans and feed grain products. Putze says Iowa’s agricultural economy gives it an advantage.He says Iowa’s economy wasn’t hit hard after September 11th like some states that rely heavily on tourism. Putze says the only problem is that farmers aren’t getting the prices they’d like for their products. He says there’s too much worldwide production, but that could change.He says sooner or later there’ll be something that causes cuts in production, and farmers will benefit. The fact book is available free from the Iowa Farm Bureau.