The U.S. grain and feed industry is a major driver of jobs and economic activity across rural America. That’s the message from a new study just released by the National Grain and Feed Association. NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert says the study quantifies the industry’s reach.

“The Harvest Economy report quantifies what many of us already know – that our industry is essential to rural communities, domestic and global food security, and the U.S. economy. We found that America’s grain and feed industry generates 401.7 billion dollars in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.”

The analysis, conducted by John Dunham and Associates, found there are nearly 9,700 grain and feed facilities across the country. Those facilities directly employ more than 175,000 workers who earn, on average, more than 84,000 dollars a year. Seyfert says the ripple effects extend far beyond those jobs.

“Supplier industries and local businesses benefit from our industry, creating hundreds of thousands of additional jobs. From transportation to equipment to professional services, the impact touches nearly every sector of the economy. Not only that – the tax revenue our industry generates benefits communities from coast to coast. All told, we are contributing nearly 33 billion dollars a year in taxes paid to federal, state, and local governments.”

The study also provides a state-by-state breakdown of jobs and economic output. Seyfert says that data will help members of Congress and local officials understand the importance of grain and feed in their districts.

“Every state and every congressional district benefits from our industry. Whether it’s Iowa, where the impact tops 43 billion dollars, or smaller states where thousands of jobs depend on grain and feed facilities, this report shows just how vital our sector is. That is why it is so important for our elected officials to continue pursuing policies that further strengthen the industry and the economic contributions we make.”

NGFA launched a new website alongside the report, where people can download fact sheets and explore the data on a state and congressional-district level. For more information, visit NGFA.org.