You Won’t Believe Which Tropical Nation Owns Iowa Farmland

When I first moved to Iowa four years ago, I was absolutely shocked by just how much of the state is made up of farmland.

Before making a home for myself in the Hawkeye State, I was used to living in the forests of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Where my backyard looked like something out of a woodsy fairytale.

So, you'd probably believe it when I tell you that the acres upon acres of farms seemed like something out of a movie.

Get our free mobile app

Iowa Agriculture and the Importance of Farmland

Agriculture is an industry that is at the center of Iowa's identity.

In 2022 the total worth or market value of Iowa crops was approximately $23.5 billion, according to a report from Farm Flavor. 

The value of Iowa livestock came in at approximately $20.4 billion during that same year. One of the fun facts I like to whip out and tell non-Iowans is that there are more pigs than people in this state.

Which makes sense....I mean you should see some of the matches I get on dating apps. 

Iowa Crop and Livestock Value Breakdown via USDA

Also, the USDA's Census of Agriculture reports that there are 86,911 farms with 30 million acres of farmland stretched out across the entire state of Iowa.

What Percentage of US Farmland Is Owned by Foreign Entities

In a report from 24/7 Wall Street, it's not just Americans who own farmland out here. Foreign countries/entities own approximately 1.4% of land area in the United States.

The majority of foreign-owned land is held by countries that are members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), while some of the biggest landowners are nations with which the U.S. has a complicated relationship.

Surprising Countries That Own Land in Iowa

When I found out which foreign country owns a decent chunk of Iowa farmland, I was actually shocked.

Have you ever heard of the Cook Islands? Well, they've heard of Iowa.

Halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii, you'll find this archipelago nation of fifteen islands in Polynesia. Located in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands is a popular and exotic destination for North American travelers.

The entire land mass of the Cook Islands is three times the size of Texas!

How Much Land Do Cook Islands Entities Own in the US?

According to 24/7 Wall Street, entities from this tropical paradise own approximately 17,375 acres of land in the United States, which was initially valued at $128.9 million when purchased.

Major Locations of Cook Island-Owned Land in Iowa

Most of the land that they own is cropland. These Cook Island groups own approximately 14,831 acres of land in the Midwest.

Their biggest pieces of land are located in the following areas in the Hawkeye State:

• Webster County
• Hamilton County
• Wright County
• Calhoun County
• Humboldt County

Stay up to date with everything going on in Eastern Iowa and beyond by downloading the free station app from your app store.

Also, don't forget to follow the station across all social media platforms for the latest news updates.