Why Iowa Is a Leader in Organic Farming Practices

Iowa stands out as a leader in organic farming practices for several reasons, rooted in its agricultural strength and supportive environment.

With 799 certified organic farms covering 169,361 acres in 2021, Iowa shows a significant commitment to organic methods, particularly in producing organic corn and soybeans, where it leads nationally with sales of $72.2 million and $25.9 million, respectively according to state data.

Its institutional support, including Iowa State University’s research and the state’s robust certification program, fosters innovation and education, while large-scale operations like Clear Creek Acres demonstrate sustainable, chemical-free farming at a commercial scale. Iowa’s organic farms average 212 acres, larger than many states, enabling efficient production.

While some debate its innovation compared to states with higher organic percentages, its per capita farm density (0.25 farms per 1,000 people) highlights its leadership.

Survey Note: Iowa’s Leadership in Organic Farming Practices

As of today Iowa’s position as a leader in organic farming practices is a topic of growing interest, given the state’s significant agricultural heritage and its pivot toward sustainable methods.

This detailed analysis explores the reasons behind Iowa’s prominence, drawing on extensive data from the USDA and state-specific resources to provide a comprehensive understanding for farmers, policymakers, and consumers.

Background on Organic Farming

Organic farming is an ecological production management system that avoids synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, relying instead on natural methods like crop rotation, cover crops, and biological pest control to maintain soil health and biodiversity.

Certified organic farms must adhere to USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards, ensuring practices that enhance environmental harmony and consumer trust.

Iowa, known for its vast corn and soybean production, has increasingly embraced organic methods, positioning itself as a leader in this sector.

Current State: Statistical Insights

2nd stop for @USDA @SecRollins was a diversified family farm in Dallas County. Iowa is a national leader in crop and livestock production and ag drives the economy of our state. Also joining Secretary Rollins was @MikeNaigIA, @IAGovernor, @ZachNunn and @RepMMM. #IowaAgWeek pic.twitter.com/7Ft33qZtj1

— Iowa Dept of Agriculture & Land Stewardship (@IADeptAg) March 31, 2025

The 2021 USDA Organic Survey provides a snapshot of Iowa’s organic farming landscape. Iowa reported 799 certified organic farms, operating 169,361 certified acres, with total sales reaching $237.6 million.

This places Iowa among the top states for organic grain production, particularly corn and soybeans, with sales values of $72.2 million and $25.9 million, respectively, leading the nation in both categories.

Comparatively, California, with 3,061 farms and 813,710 acres, dominates in total numbers, but Iowa’s average farm size of 212 acres per farm is notably larger than California’s 265.8 acres, suggesting efficiency in large-scale organic operations.

To contextualize, Iowa’s organic farm density per capita is 0.25 farms per 1,000 people (based on a population of 3.2 million), higher than California’s 0.0775 and Wisconsin’s 0.181, indicating a strong organic farming presence relative to its size.

However, in terms of the percentage of total farms that are organic, Iowa stands at 0.93% (799 out of 85,537 total farms), lower than California’s 4.01% and New York’s 3.18%, suggesting room for growth in organic adoption relative to conventional farming.

Comparison of Organic Farming Metrics by State (2021)

Iowa’s larger average farm size (212 acres) compared to states like Pennsylvania (136.7 acres) and New York (150.4 acres) suggests a focus on efficiency, particularly for grain crops

Its per capita farm density (0.25) is higher than many, but the lower percentage of organic farms (0.93%) indicates potential for expansion, especially given its agricultural dominance.

Leadership in Organic Grain Production

Iowa’s leadership is most evident in organic grain production, particularly corn and soybeans, which are central to its agricultural identity.

In 2021, Iowa’s organic corn sales of $72.2 million from 145 farms, producing 22,965,000 bushels, outpaced Minnesota’s $37.5 million and North Dakota’s $37.2 million, making it the top state according to SF.

Similarly, for soybeans, Iowa’s $25.9 million from 122 farms, producing 4,795,000 bushels, surpassed Minnesota’s $22.5 million, reinforcing its position.

This leadership is driven by Iowa’s fertile soil and climate, ideal for these crops, and its ability to scale organic production without synthetic inputs.

Top States for Organic Corn and Soybeans Sales (2021)

Iowa’s dominance in organic grain sales, especially corn, highlights its agricultural infrastructure and market access, crucial for meeting national demand.

This leadership is unexpected given its lower overall organic farm percentage, suggesting a strategic focus on high-value organic grains.

Supportive Institutional Framework

Iowa’s leadership is bolstered by a robust institutional framework. Iowa State University’s Organic Agriculture Program offers extension, teaching, and research activities, addressing farmer needs and promoting best practices that meet certified organic regulations.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Organic Certification Program, accredited by the USDA, ensures a streamlined certification process, supporting farmers in transitioning and maintaining organic status .

Additionally, the Iowa Organic Association actively fosters education and market development, hosting events like the 2023 Annual Meeting to discuss regenerative practices and mentorship.

This support system is crucial, providing farmers with technical assistance, financial incentives (e.g., NRCS OMS 823 offering up to $1,500/acre for complex systems), and community networks, which may explain Iowa’s ability to sustain large-scale organic operations.

Innovative Large-Scale Operations

Iowa’s organic farming practices are exemplified by large-scale operations like Clear Creek Acres, a 10,000-acre farm in West Bend, Iowa, thriving without chemicals (Investigate Midwest).

This farm employs a four-crop rotation system, uses manure and chicken litter for fertilization, and leverages automation for efficiency, proving that organic farming can scale commercially.

Similarly, the Rosmann family farm, organic for over 30 years, hosts field days and shares knowledge, earning recognition as 2018 Organic Farmers of the Year at the MOSES conference (Food Tank).

These examples highlight Iowa’s innovation in maintaining soil health and biodiversity at scale, setting a model for others.

These operations challenge the notion that organic farming is limited to small scales, with Iowa’s fertile land and climate facilitating such practices, potentially influencing national trends toward large-scale organic adoption.

Challenges and Opportunities

@cbsnews Doug Fuller, whose family has farmed in Iowa’s northern Polk County for generations, is preparing to plant this year’s soybean’s crop. But after President Trump imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and China — one of the largest overseas markets for American soybeans — responded with its own 10% tariffs on the crop — he’s concerned about what it could mean for his and others’ livelihoods. Now, Fuller is hoping for a strong yield to help offset low bean prices, which have already been declining for two years. “They aren’t good for the other countries. They aren’t good for me,” he told CBS affiliate KCCI of the tariffs. “…It’s just a p***ing match, and nobody’s going to win.” #iowa #tariffs #soy #soybeans #agriculture #farm #farming #farmer #politics ♬ original sound – cbsnews

While Iowa leads, challenges include the low percentage of organic farms (0.93%) compared to states like California, suggesting room for growth.

There’s controversy around whether Iowa’s practices are innovative enough, with some critics noting reliance on traditional rotations rather than cutting-edge methods.

However, opportunities abound, with increasing demand for organic grains (Iowa and four other Midwest states account for 40% of the organic grain trade, part of $63.8 billion in 2023 sales) and environmental benefits like improved water quality from chemical-free fields (Iowa Capital Dispatch).

The balance between scaling up and innovating further will be key, with Iowa’s leadership potentially expanding as it leverages its agricultural strengths and institutional support to meet growing market needs.

Conclusion

Its high per capita farm density, large average farm sizes, and top rankings in organic corn and soybean sales underscore its position, while challenges like low organic farm percentages highlight areas for growth.