15 Reasons Why Anyone Who Hates Iowa Can Shut Up

As probably the most underrated state (that gets a ton of crap from other states), it can get tiresome defending Iowa to those who say that our state is just one big, flat cornfield. Well, we have news for them. Next time they hate on Iowa, they should think about these 15 facts first…

Our farmers feed the country, producing more corn, soybeans, pork, and eggs than any other state in the nation - by a long shot.

Travis D./FLickr

Iowa also produces twice as much ethanol as any other state, effectively lowering gas prices 20 to 40 cents per gallon.

futureatlas.com/Flickr

Iowans are smart. We have the highest graduation rates and the highest literacy rates in the nation.

Michael B/Flickr

We are also home to one of the six UNESCO Cities of Literature in the world - Iowa City.

Steve Shupe/FLickr

We have the best capital city, Des Moines, which was recently named “The Wealthiest City In America” by the Today Show.

Jason Mrachina/Flickr

Not to mention, we are one of the safest states in the nation, with extremely low crime rates.

Movoto

Iowa has been ranked as one of the best places to raise a family.

Herry Lawford/FLickr

And our state was also ranked the second best place to retire, after Hawaii.

Edwin & Kelly Tofslie/Flickr

We’re also home to Rockwell Collins, one of the largest suppliers of avionics and information technology services for aircrafts.

Wikimedia Commons

But that’s not all, we also gave the world computers…

Joe Wolf/Flickr

And sliced bread…

Slice of Chic/FLickr

And trampolines…

Springfree Trampoline/Flickr

As well as renowned artists such as Grant Wood, whose art is recognized across the globe.

Tom Waterhouse/Flcikr

We’ve contributed our share of Hollywood royalty, too, such as John Wayne, Ashton Kutcher, Donna Reed, Tom Arnold, and more.

Insomnia Cured Here/Flickr

Not to mention, Iowa is so much more beautiful than people give us credit for - it’s not all flat land and cornfields here.

U.S. Department of Agriculture/Facebook

Face it, Iowa haters, you would be lost without us.