{"id":13433,"date":"2023-11-24T19:50:55","date_gmt":"2023-11-24T18:50:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=13433"},"modified":"2023-11-24T19:50:55","modified_gmt":"2023-11-24T18:50:55","slug":"what-percentage-of-the-upper-mississippi-river-basin-is-agriculture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/what-percentage-of-the-upper-mississippi-river-basin-is-agriculture\/","title":{"rendered":"What Percentage Of The Upper Mississippi River Basin Is Agriculture"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Upper Mississippi River Basin is a crucial part of the Midwest and is the source of much of the life-sustaining resources for Minnesota and its surrounding states. The basin is a major contributor to the agriculture industry in the Midwest, and its importance to the local economy cannot be overstated. But how much of the basin is dedicated to agriculture? In this article, we will explore this question and provide some vital background information to help shed light on the issue.<\/p>\n
According to an analysis from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture<\/strong>, there are 5.2 million acres of farmland in the basin, making up nearly 38% of the region’s land area. This is higher than the national average, which is closer to 25%. This is due in part to the fact that much of the basin’s land is ideal for agriculture, with abundant water resources, rich soil, and mild climates, making it perfect for farming.<\/p>\n It should come as no surprise, then, that the bulk of the basin’s economic and population growth is due largely in part to the farming industry. Agriculture dominates the landscape, and the agricultural products, such as grains, legumes, and livestock, are the lifeblood of the region. Furthermore, agricultural runoff has a direct impact on water quality, and the basin’s farmers and landowners have taken great strides to reduce runoff and increase soil health.<\/p>\n In an effort to protect the basin’s resources and promote sustainable farming practices, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture has implemented a series of conservation programs. These programs provide funding and technical assistance to farmers, helping them to reduce erosion, improve soil health, and increase crop resilience. Additionally, the department’s research and education efforts have been instrumental in helping to educate the public about conservation.<\/p>\n