Iowa had an estimated 3.6 million cattle and calves in 2003, worth around $2.6 billion. In 2002, Iowa was ranked 1st among the 50 states in the number of hogs and pigs with 15.3 million, worth around $1.15 billion.
Pigs, calves, lambs, and chickens are raised throughout the state, particularly in the Mississippi and Missouri river valleys, where good pasture and water are plentiful. Iowa farmers are leaders in applying modern livestock breeding methods to produce lean hogs, tender corn-fed cattle, and larger-breasted chickens and turkeys.
In 2001, Iowa farmers produced an estimated 30.6 million lb (13.9 million kg) of sheep and lambs, which grossed a total of around $23.7 million. Also during 2001, Iowa farmers produced 216.6 million lb (98.2 million kg) of turkeys, worth $75.8 million. In the same year an estimated 8.7 billion eggs were produced, worth around $282 million.
Iowa dairy farmers produced 3.8 billion lb (1.7 million kg) of milk from 210,000 dairy cows in 2001.