POCATELLO — Idaho led the West last year in total farm revenue on a per capita basis.
The per capita farm revenue number is derived by dividing a state’s total farm revenue by its total population.
Based on data released Sept. 5 by USDA, Idaho’s per capita farm revenue number in 2023 was $5,617.
That means the state’s 22,800-plus farms and ranches produced $5,617 worth of agricultural revenue for every Idahoan last year.
The per capita number is simply a reflection of how important agriculture is to the average person in Idaho compared to residents of other states, said University of Idaho Agricultural Economist Brett Wilder, who compiled the data.
“Essentially, it shows, in one number, what the contribution of Idaho agriculture is to the state’s economy,” he said.
Wilder said the per capita number is a great way to quickly show people, including elected officials, how important agriculture is to Idaho.
The 2023 per capita number placed Idaho an unchallenged No. 1 among the 11 Western states in that category.