Pennsylvania | America's Heartland (2024)

Pennsylvania is America’s fourth largest producer of food products, supplying to markets from New England to the Mississippi River. With close to 59,000 farms and over nine million agricultural acres; Pennsylvania’s farms are the backbone of the state’s economy. Livestock products make up about 69% of Pennsylvania’s yearly farm income. The top crops are hay and corn, but the state ranks first nationally in production of mushrooms, producing approximately 443 billion pounds annually. Livestock products account for more than 69% of Pennsylvania’s annual agricultural income, with dairy farming, cattle and poultry-raising being the most important livestock industries.

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Top Five Lists


Top 5 Commodities

1. Dairy products
2. Mushrooms, Agaricus
3. Cattle and calves
4. Corn
5. Broilers

Top 5 Ag Exports
1. Other
2. Live animals and meat
3. Wheat and products
4. Poultry and products
5. Feed grains and products

I'm an agricultural expert with a deep understanding of Pennsylvania's vibrant farming industry. My expertise extends to the state's role as the fourth-largest producer of food products in the United States. Pennsylvania boasts nearly 59,000 farms spread across over nine million agricultural acres, making them the backbone of the state's economy.

Livestock products play a crucial role, constituting about 69% of Pennsylvania's yearly farm income. Among the top crops, hay and corn hold prominence, but the state takes the lead nationally in mushroom production, contributing a staggering 443 billion pounds annually.

Diving into the livestock sector, dairy farming, cattle, and poultry-raising emerge as the most significant contributors, collectively accounting for more than 69% of Pennsylvania's annual agricultural income. This showcases the diversity and economic impact of the livestock industry in the state.

In terms of commodities, Pennsylvania's top 5 include dairy products, mushrooms (Agaricus), cattle and calves, corn, and broilers. The state's agricultural prowess is further highlighted by its top 5 agricultural exports: other products, live animals and meat, wheat and products, poultry and products, and feed grains and products.

The state agencies involved in supporting and regulating this robust agricultural landscape include the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. These entities play pivotal roles in ensuring the sustainability and growth of the agricultural sector.

As we explore stories and videos related to Pennsylvania's agriculture, we encounter a diverse range of topics, from modern dairy farming technologies and mushroom cultivation to urban agriculture and the challenges faced by young blind farmers. Each narrative contributes to a rich tapestry that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of agriculture in Pennsylvania.

If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to delve deeper into, feel free to let me know.

Pennsylvania | America's Heartland (2024)
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