II.

The Economy

Lower Saxony is a rich agricultural state. In the north, wheat, rye, oats, and potatoes are the main crops. Cattle are raised for beef and dairy products. In the south, wheat and sugar beets are grown, and beef and dairy cattle are raised. Iron and lignite are the chief mineral products. Petroleum deposits in the western part of the state make it one of the major European producers of oil. Manufacturing is an important activity; the main products are iron and steel, vehicles, and rubber goods.