Regions
Iowa consists of seven major landform regions: Northwest Iowa Plains, Des Moines Lobe, Iowan Surface, Paleozoic Plateau, Missouri Alluvial Plain, Loess Hills, and Southern Iowa Drift Plain.
Agriculture
A 26.2 billion-dollar industry, agriculture is Iowa’s top revenue generator. There are approximately 85,300 farms, covering 30.6 million acres of the state. The average size farm comprises 360 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 99 counties, and approximately 86% of land is dedicated to farms.
Historically known as America’s breadbasket for its wheat harvest, Iowa now leads the nation in corn production, making it their most valuable crop. Soybeans are the second largest crop grown. They also produce a significant amount of hay and oats.
Hogs and cattle make up the largest livestock products in Iowa. In fact, Iowa is the national leader of pork products. Iowa is also the number one producer of eggs in America.
Iowa’s aquaculture consists of Channel Catfish (found in nearly all Iowa lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers), Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Bluegill.
Wildlife
Iowa’s diverse landscape provides a variety of ecosystems where over 1,100 species of wildlife thrive. From prairies to wetlands to forests, conservation efforts are mostly found on smaller, privately owned tracts of land and interspersed throughout the state rather than large, publicly managed land.
The state’s forested areas are home to white-tail deer, bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, and red foxes. Game hunting consists primarily of whitetail deer, hog, turkey, dove, and ducks.
Primary fish found in Iowa are channel catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and walleye.
Major Rivers and Lakes
The four major rivers are the Missouri River, Mississippi River, Des Moines River, and the Big Sioux River. Their main tributaries include the Arkansas River, Ohio River, Cheyenne River, Kansas River, and the East Fork River.
The largest lake is Lake Red Rock. Other significant lakes include Rathbun Lake, Saylorville Lake, Big Spirit Lake, and West Okoboji Lake.
Lake Red Rock, the largest lake in Iowa, is located on the Des Moines River, about 41 miles southeast of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The surface area of this lake is approximately 70,016 acres (109.4 square miles).
State and National Parks
Iowa has 83 state parks and 4 national parks.
National Parks:
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | The Hawkeye State |
| Neighboring States | Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota |
| Regions | Northwest Iowa Plains, Des Moines Lobe, Iowan Surface, Paleozoic Plateau, Missouri Alluvial Plain, Loess Hills, and Southern Iowa Drift Plain |
| State Flower | Prairie Rose |
| State Bird | American Goldfinch |
| Big Game | Whitetail deer |
| Small Game | Pheasants, quail, cottontail rabbits, turkey, and squirrels |
| Freshwater Fish | Catfish, crappie, walleye, bass, and trout |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | http://www.iowadnr.gov/hunting |
| Total Acreage | 35.7 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 2.8% |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 35 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 30.6 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 2.9 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | www.iowadnr.gov/Conservation/Wildlife-Landowner-Assistance/Conservation-Reserve-Program |
| Primary Crops | Corn and Soybeans |
| Largest Lake | Lake Red Rock |
| Other Lakes | Rathbun Lake, Saylorville Lake, and Big Spirit Lake |
| Major Rivers | Missouri River, Mississippi River, Des Moines River, and Big Sioux River |
| Other Tributaries | Arkansas River, Ohio River, Cheyenne River, Kansas River, and East Fork River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties Iowa began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in Iowa. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties Iowa can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
