COMMODITIES

More farmland acreage in Swift County is devoted to growing traditional farm commodity crops such as corn and soybeans, than any other agricultural use. Most of these crops are used in animal feeds or exported to countries like Japan and China, but there is a growing demand for bio-fuels such as ethanol which can produced from corn or small grains, and soy-based bio-diesel. The prospects of farm-raised renewable energy producers like CVEC (Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company), have created new and profitable markets for crops that have grown in Swift County for generations.In Swift County crops aren’t the only source of bioenergy: Waste from our livestock such as Turkey and Cows can be converted to useable energy in the form of methane or heat to electricity. In fact, Swift County is home to the nation’s first turkey litter-powered electric plant, Fibrominn.

Select a commodity to learn more:
Grain  I  Soybean  I  Turkeys  I  Hogs  I  Cattle & Calves  I  Dairy

OTHER AG INDUSTRIES IN SWIFT COUNTY

Renewable Energy
Further developing the local biomass and bioenergy industries, like ethanol; expands market and investment opportunities for area farmers, helps the environment, and reduces dependence on imported energy sources, like oil. Visit the Swift County Bioenergy pages to learn more.

Livestock – Coming soon.

Alternative Enterprises – Coming soon.

COMMODITIES
Leading Swift County Commodities (2007 Receipts): Commodity Value of Receipts (Millions) % of Total Receipts Corn $68.5 %33 Turkeys, Poultry & Eggs $55.0 %27 Soybeans $33.2 %16 Dairy Products $15.5 %8 Cattle & Calves $13.6 %7 Hogs & Pigs $8.1 %4 Total $193.9 94%
Grain		BACK TO TOP
Grain such as corn and wheat are widely used as food for humans and animals, both directly and in processed forms. Use in non-food products has significantly grown in recent decades as the awareness of health, environmental and economic benefits increase. Additional resources: Field Corn – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Small Grains – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Corn Growers Association Minnesota Grain and Feed Association Minneapolis Grain Exchange
Soybean		BACK TO TOP
Soybeans have developed a reputation as a “wonder crop” for their many helpful and healthful uses. Industrial uses of soy have increased with the availability of soy-based Biodiesel, a clean, green alternative to bio-diesel fuel. Additional resources: Soybean – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Soybean
Turkeys		BACK TO TOP
Turkey consumption in the US has grown 113% since 1975 largely due to health conscious consumers’ appreciation of turkey’s good taste and nutritional value. Minnesota is the #1 Turkey Producer in the United States, and Swift County ranks 10th in the nation, raising nearly 2 million turkeys in 2007. Additional resources: Turkeys – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Turkey Growers Association
Hogs		BACK TO TOP
Minnesota ranks second nationally in the number and value of hogs raised for processing into meat products. (2008) Pork known as “the other white meat” has responded to consumer demand for lean meats by refining feeding and management practices to reduce fats in popular cuts by up to 27%. Additional resources: Hogs – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Pork Producers
Cattle & Calves		BACK TO TOP
“Beef, it’s what’s for dinner”, and demand continues to grow. In Swift County the numbers of farms with cattle have grown over 20% since 2002. The cattle industry has helped to make Swift County one of Minnesota’s leading agricultural counties, and Animal agriculture, such as beef, has provided markets for Swift County’s abundant grain production. Additional resources: Beef – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Minnesota Beef Council
Dairy		BACK TO TOP
“Got milk?” In Swift County dairy is more than just milk. It’s jobs and economic activity for the people for our local communities. Besides being good for the local economy, Dairy is one of the most economical sources of nutrition dollar for dollar – one cup of milk provides nine essential nutrients at an average of only 25 cents. Additional resources: Dairy – Minnesota Department of Agriculture Midwest Dairy Association