California was ranked as the top farm export state.

It edged out Iowa and Illinois in 1985 for the first time since the rankings began more than 20 years ago, according to a report by the Economic Research Service of the Agriculture Department. According to the report, California’s share of U.S. farm exports in the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 1985, was $2.7 billion, a decline of only $87 million from 1984. Iowa’s export sales, however, plunged more than $800 million to $2.47 billion. And Illinois’ export value dropped nearly $600 million to $2.34 billion.