North Dakota Agriculture 2023
In partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Vital, diverse, resilient – these are just a few words that describe North Dakota’s thriving agriculture industry and those who are a part of it. Despite the challenges of a changing economy, a pandemic, weather difficulties and more, North Dakota’s 25,068 farmers and ranchers continue to be some of the best in the nation, producing crops and commodities for the world.
The state’s farms are spread across 38.5 million acres – nearly 90% of North Dakota’s land area – with the average farm spanning about 1,537 acres. The state’s top commodities include canola, flaxseed, sunflowers, dry edible beans, honey, oats, rye and wheat. Livestock is also an important agricultural sector for the state, and North Dakota is home to more than two cattle for every citizen.
North Dakota agriculture extends well beyond commodities and crops. Agritourism, agribusiness and food processing, innovative technology, local food and farmers markets, and agricultural education all contribute to the state’s thriving industry.