Agriculture is an important economic force in Iowa County and for Mineral Point . It includes hundreds of family-owned farms, related businesses and industries that provide equipment, services and other products farmers need to process, market and deliver food and fiber to consumers. The production, sales and processing of Iowa County’s farm products generate employment, economic activity, income and tax revenue.

With over 800 farms tucked among its hills and valleys, Iowa County has an abundance of agricultural diversity. Dairy, beef, alfalfa, pasture and grain crops are the prevailing commodities, but others include sheep, hogs, goats, fruits, vegetables, aquaculture and forestry products. In addition to traditional channels, many Iowa County farmers utilize organic farming, community supported agriculture and direct marketing to identify and market their products. The Mineral Point Farmers’ Market is one direct marketing tool used by these farmers.

How important is agriculture to the county’s economy?

• Agriculture provides jobs for 3,055 Iowa County residents. That’s 18 percent of Iowa County’s workforce of 16,676 people. Every new job in agriculture generates an additional 0.3 jobs in Iowa County.
• Agriculture accounts for $212.9 million in economic activity. Every dollar of sales from agricultural products generates an additional $0.30 of economic activity in other parts of the Iowa County economy.
• Economic activity associated with Iowa County’s farms and agriculture-related businesses generates $6.2 million in local and state taxes. This figure does not include all property taxes paid to support local schools.
• Agriculture accounts for $58.7 million— 8.4 percent of Iowa County’s total income. This includes wages, salaries, benefits and profits of farmers and workers in agriculture-related businesses. Every dollar of agricultural income generates an additional $0.92 of county income.
• Dairy is the largest part of Iowa County’s agriculture. Iowa County milk producers and the dairy industry contribute $99 million to the county’s economy.

Agriculture and the environment

Iowa County farmers own and manage the resources on 367,373 acres of land— 75 percent of all land in the county. This includes pastures, cropland and tree farms. Farmers implement various conservation practices to protect environmental resources and provide habitat for wildlife.

Source:
Iowa County Agriculture: Value and Economic Impact