The US pet food industry continues to grow.

The U.S. livestock and pet food industries are important drivers of the nation's economy, with total sales of $267.1 billion, value-added income of $98.4 billion and $18.5 billion in the form of local, state and federal taxes. Such data are provided in a study by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA).

Additionally, the total pet food industry, including indirect and induced effects, generated $55 billion in labor income and 759,596 jobs. In terms of direct contribution, industries contributed $18.8 billion in value added income, $85.2 billion in sales, and $3.7 billion in local, state and federal taxes.

“We have always said that the animal feed industry sits at the intersection of crop and livestock production, bringing together crop and livestock producers, but now we see that this intersection is actually a major artery between urban and rural, providing economic value to rural and urban communities. said Constance Kallman, AFIA President and CEO . “Despite the stress the pet food industry has been under over the past few years, from the covid-19 pandemic to supply chain obstacles, animal disease and high inflation, it is clear that it is stronger than ever before and continues to grow.”

The top five states for pet food and pet food sales this year will be California, with sales valued at $19.5 billion; Missouri with $18.6 billion; Texas with $17.1 billion; Iowa with $16.5 billion; and Kansas with $16.2 billion.

States with the most feed mills include Texas (647), Iowa (376), Minnesota (347), Wisconsin (263) and Pennsylvania (258), while states with the most pet food plants include Pennsylvania (59) , Michigan (33), Wisconsin (28), Nebraska (27) and Washington (26). Missouri employs the most animal food workers at more than 54,350, followed by California, Texas, Iowa and Pennsylvania.

The study also found that in addition to purchasing farm-grown crops and other inputs needed to produce livestock feed and pet food, the industry generates economic activity up and down the supply chain through related services and industries, including automotive and railway transportation. financial institutions, advertising and much more.