Although land use patterns in the Minnesota River basin are predominantly agricultural, significant variations occurred across the basin in cropping and animal systems during 1994. Four major Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Districts are included in the Minnesota River basin (click here for a table). The West Central District is located primarily in the northwest portion of the Minnesota River basin. The Central District is located primarily in the north central portion of the basin. The South West District is located primarily in the southwest portion of the basin. The South Central District is located primarily in the southeast portion of the basin.
The predominant cropping system in the southwestern and southeastern portions of the basin is corn and soybeans, accounting for about 80% of all cropped land. In the northwestern portion of the basin, corn and soybeans only account for 50% of all cropped land, while small grains accounts for another 14%, and hay for 6%. In the north central portion of the basin, corn and soybeans are only 44% of the cropped land, with 10% in hay, and 4% in small grains. Thus, the cropping systems of the northwest and north central portions of the basin are considerably more diverse than those in the southwest and southeast.
There are roughly a million cattle in the Minnesota River basin. Roughly 30% of these occur in the southwestern portion of the basin, with another 30% in the southeastern portion. Unfortunately, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics are not detailed enough to determine the relative importance of cattle feedlots versus rangelands. There are roughly 3 million hogs in the Minnesota River basin. Roughly half of these are being raised in the southeastern portion of the basin. Another one quarter occur in the southwestern portion of the basin.
Information is available on agricultural landuse for crops and animal production at county level within the Minnesota River basin. Click on the County in the image map below or use the text version.