The Uncelebrated Places Where America’s Farm Economy Is Thriving

We consume their products every day but economists give them little attention, and perhaps not enough respect. Yet America’s agriculture sector is not only the country’s oldest economic pillar but still a vital one, accounting for some 3.75 million jobs — not only in the fields, but in factories, laboratories and distribution. That compares to about 4.3 million jobs in the tech sector (which we analyzed last month here). Net farm income totaled $108 billion in 2014, according to preliminary figures from the USDA, up 24% from 2004.

by Joel Kotkin and Mark Schill

Full Story: http://www.newgeography.com/content/004925-the-uncelebrated-places-where-americas-farm-economy-is-thriving