National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) unveiled a new economic impact study showing the sector’s powerful contribution to the U.S. economy. The industry supports 1.16 million jobs, generates $401.7 billion in total output, and delivers $32.7 billion in taxes nationwide. 

The report, titled The Harvest Economy and conducted by John Dunham & Associates, provides a detailed picture of how the grain and feed sector powers local communities, employment and economic growth. NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert said, “Grain and feed companies transform America’s harvest into economic opportunity. This new study 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.”

The analysis highlights $85.9 billion in total wages and benefits and a network of 9,683 grain and feed facilities employing 175,737 people directly, with an average annual salary of $84,768. The study also reveals the sector’s broad geographic reach, showing positive economic impacts in every U.S. state and congressional district.

NGFA has also launched a redesigned website with interactive tools, enabling users to explore data and download fact sheets by state and district. This resource aims to support stakeholders, policymakers and the public in understanding the full scope of the industry’s contribution.