One in Five: How Agriculture Powers the American Economy

Jun 08, 2026

By Tara Desmond

Ten years in, the Feeding the Economy re port is still turning heads. Released annually on Ag Day and sponsored by approximately 35 national agriculture and food organizations, the report paints a sweeping picture of just how deeply American agriculture is woven into the fabric of the U.S. economy. In the latest episode of IL Corn TV, host Lindsay Croke sat down with Corn Refiners Association President and CEO John Bode to break down what the 10th anniversary edition reveals and why the numbers matter more than ever for Illinois farmers.

The scale of American agriculture's economic footprint might surprise even those who live and breathe it every day. Bode put it plainly: agriculture isn't a niche sector, it's a cornerstone.

~20% of the entire U.S. economy is tied to American agriculture and related industries
1 in 5 American jobs connects back to the food and agriculture system
$10.4 trillion in total economic activity generated
Agriculture manufacturing is the largest segment of American manufacturing — with 2.5x more jobs than the auto industry
Wages across the sector grew 4% year-over-year and 13% over the last decade

While the big-picture numbers are impressive, Bode was candid about where the cracks are forming, particularly in ag production wages and export performance. "If ag production is in trouble, then our house is falling apart," Bode said. "We can't let that happen." It's a message that will resonate with Illinois farmers who have felt the economic pressure firsthand.

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Video: Why Invest in Canada’s Seed Future? | On The Brink: Episode 3

Darcy Unger just invested millions to build a brand-new seed plant on his farm in Stonewall, Manitoba so when it’s time for his sons to take over, they have the tools they need to succeed.

Right now, 95% of the genetics they’ll be growing come from Canadian plant breeders.

That number matters.

When fusarium hit Western Canada in the late 90s, it was Canadian breeders who responded, because they understood Canadian conditions. That ability to react quickly to what’s happening on Canadian farms is exactly what’s at risk when breeding programs lose funding.

For farmers like Darcy, who have made generational investments based on the assumption that better genetics will keep coming, the stakes are direct and personal.

We’re on the brink of decisions that will shape our agricultural future for not only our generation, but also the ones to come.

What direction will we choose?

On The Brink is a year-long video series traveling across Canada to meet the researchers, breeders, farmers, seed companies, and policymakers shaping the future of Canadian plant breeding. Each week, a new story. Each story, a piece of the bigger picture.

Episode 3 is above. Follow Seed World Canada to catch every episode, and tell us: Do you think the next generation will have the tools they need to success when they takeover? How is the future going to look?