For over ten years, Will has been a full-time farmer in Iowa, doing what many say the Midwest does best: producing high-quality products that contribute to the high-powered agricultural economy that defines our country. For Will and all farmers, economic sustainability is essential. Nurturing the soil, feeding his crops and following conservation practices lead to leaving the land better than he found it, all while supporting his local economy.

Will's contributions to his community are multifaceted. He not only grows corn to feed and fuel the world – his farm supports local businesses and creates jobs. For example, Will purchases seeds from local independent dealers, buys herbicides from family-owned businesses and sources parts and tools from dealerships in his town. His farm requires fuel and other supplies from nearby vendors, creating a network of economic activity that extends far beyond his own fields.

Economic impact goes hand in hand with sustainability efforts. Will has implemented several sustainability practices on his farm, like no-till farming, to preserve soil health, strip-tilling to reduce fertilizer use and adopting cover crops on all his acres. By purchasing the equipment and tools needed to enact these sustainability practices, Will is not only supporting mom-and-pop shops in his area, but the U.S. economy as a whole.

As one of the largest sectors in American agriculture, corn farmers - like Will - impact hundreds of thousands of jobs, infuse billions of dollars into the economy and care for our most critical resources, all while realizing substantial improvements in production. Corn farmers drive large-scale contributions to the U.S. economy annually by: