Wyoming’s short growing season and arid conditions favor cash crops like dry beans and safflower that mature quickly with little water. If you’re searching for the **best cash crops to grow in wyoming**, you need plants that can handle cold nights, low rainfall, and high winds. This guide breaks down the top options for making a profit on your Wyoming land.
Many farmers struggle with the state’s unique climate. But with the right choices, you can turn these challenges into advantages. Let’s look at crops that thrive where others fail.
Understanding Wyoming’s Growing Conditions
Wyoming sits in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 5. That means your growing season might only last 90 to 120 days. Frost can hit in early September, so every day counts.
Rainfall is another big factor. Most of the state gets less than 15 inches of rain per year. Irrigation is often necessary, but water rights can be complicated. You’ll need to check local regulations before planting.
Soil quality varies widely. Some areas have rich loam, while others are sandy or heavy with clay. A soil test is your first step. It tells you what nutrients are missing and what amendments you need.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Wyoming
Here are the top crops that consistently perform well in Wyoming’s tough environment. Each one has been tested by local farmers and proven to generate income.
Dry Beans
Dry beans are a standout choice. They need only 80 to 100 days to mature, fitting perfectly into your short season. They also require less water than corn or soybeans.
- Pinto beans are the most popular variety in Wyoming.
- Great northern and kidney beans also do well.
- You can sell them to food processors or directly to consumers.
Planting dry beans in late May or early June gives them the best chance. Harvest usually happens in September, just before the first frost. The profit margin can be good, especially if you have a contract with a buyer.
Safflower
Safflower is another excellent option. This drought-tolerant crop has deep roots that pull moisture from the soil. It matures in about 100 to 120 days.
Farmers use safflower for two main purposes:
- Birdseed production
- Oil extraction for cooking and cosmetics
Safflower prices can fluctuate, but demand is steady. It’s also a good rotation crop because it breaks pest cycles. You’ll need a combine to harvest, but many custom harvesters are available in the region.
Winter Wheat
Winter wheat is a classic Wyoming cash crop. You plant it in the fall, it goes dormant over winter, and then it grows again in spring. Harvest happens in July or August.
This crop uses fall and spring moisture efficiently. It also provides ground cover, reducing soil erosion from wind. Wheat prices are tied to global markets, so watch futures prices before selling.
Hard red winter wheat is the most common type grown here. It’s used for bread flour and has strong demand.
Barley
Barley is perfect for Wyoming’s climate. It matures in just 60 to 90 days, making it one of the fastest cash crops. It also tolerates alkaline soils better than many other grains.
There are two main markets for barley:
- Malting barley for beer production
- Feed barley for livestock
Malting barley pays a premium, but it has strict quality standards. You’ll need to manage nitrogen levels carefully to avoid excess protein. Feed barley is easier to grow and has a more reliable market.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a rising star in Wyoming agriculture. They have deep taproots that find water even in dry years. Most varieties mature in 90 to 110 days.
You can grow two types:
- Oilseed sunflowers for cooking oil
- Confectionery sunflowers for snacks and birdseed
Oilseed varieties are more common because they have higher yields. But confectionery sunflowers can bring in more money per acre if you find the right buyer. Sunflowers also attract pollinators, which helps other crops on your farm.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is not a grain, but it’s one of the most profitable cash crops in Wyoming. The state’s dry climate produces high-quality hay with bright color and good protein content.
Alfalfa is a perennial, so you plant it once and harvest for three to five years. You can get two to four cuttings per season, depending on irrigation and weather.
Export markets are strong for Wyoming alfalfa. Buyers in Japan, South Korea, and the Middle East pay top dollar for premium hay. You’ll need a baler and a way to store the bales, but the investment can pay off quickly.
Millet
Millet is a small grain that thrives in hot, dry conditions. It matures in 60 to 80 days, making it a great backup crop if your first planting fails.
There are several markets for millet:
- Birdseed mixes
- Livestock feed
- Gluten-free flour for human consumption
Proso millet is the most common type grown in Wyoming. It requires very little water and can grow on marginal soils. Yields are lower than corn, but input costs are also much lower.
Canola
Canola is a relatively new crop for Wyoming, but it’s gaining popularity. It matures in 85 to 100 days and has good drought tolerance.
Canola oil is in high demand for cooking and biodiesel. The meal left after oil extraction is a valuable livestock feed. You can sell canola through local elevators or directly to processors.
Spring canola varieties work best in Wyoming. Plant them as soon as the soil warms up in April or May. Harvest usually happens in August or September.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing A Cash Crop
Picking the right crop is not just about climate. You also need to think about your resources and goals.
Water Availability
Irrigation is a game-changer in Wyoming. If you have access to water, you can grow higher-value crops like corn or potatoes. Without irrigation, stick to dryland crops like wheat and safflower.
Check your water rights carefully. In some areas, you can only use water during certain times of the year. You might also need to install efficient irrigation systems like drip lines or center pivots.
Soil Quality
Your soil type determines what will grow well. Sandy soils drain fast and warm up quickly, which is good for early planting. Clay soils hold more moisture but can be hard to work.
Get a soil test every two to three years. It will tell you the pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels. Most Wyoming soils are alkaline, with pH above 7.0. Some crops, like potatoes, prefer slightly acidic soil.
Market Access
You need a way to sell your crop. Check if there are local elevators, processors, or co-ops nearby. Some crops, like dry beans, require specialized equipment for cleaning and sorting.
Consider transportation costs. If you’re far from markets, your profit margin will shrink. Look for crops that have a high value per pound so you can afford to ship them.
Equipment And Labor
Different crops need different machinery. Small grains like wheat and barley use the same combine. But sunflowers need a special header, and alfalfa requires a baler.
Think about labor, too. Some crops, like vegetables, need hand harvesting. That can be expensive and hard to find in rural areas. Row crops like corn are easier to mechanize.
Step-By-Step Guide To Starting Your Cash Crop Farm
If you’re new to farming in Wyoming, follow these steps to get started.
- Test your soil. Send samples to a lab to find out what you’re working with.
- Check water rights. Contact the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office to see what water is available.
- Choose your crop. Pick one that matches your soil, water, and market.
- Prepare the land. Till the soil, add amendments, and level the field if needed.
- Plant at the right time. Use local frost dates to time your planting.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Walk your fields weekly to catch problems early.
- Harvest at peak maturity. Use a moisture meter to know when the crop is ready.
- Store or sell immediately. Proper storage prevents spoilage and maintains quality.
Start small. You don’t need to plant 1,000 acres your first year. Try 10 or 20 acres to learn the ropes. Expand only when you’re confident in your system.
Common Challenges And How To Overcome Them
Wyoming farming comes with its own set of problems. Here’s how to handle the most common ones.
Short Growing Season
You can’t change the weather, but you can choose early-maturing varieties. Look for crops that mature in 90 days or less. You can also use season-extending techniques like row covers or plastic mulch.
Planting early is risky because of frost. But you can reduce risk by using a soil thermometer. Plant when the soil temperature is consistently above 50°F for warm-season crops.
Low Rainfall
Drought is a constant threat. Use conservation tillage to keep moisture in the soil. Cover crops can also help by reducing evaporation.
If you have irrigation, use it efficiently. Drip irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, reducing waste. Center pivots are good for larger fields, but they lose water to evaporation.
Wind Damage
Wyoming is famous for its wind. Strong gusts can knock over tall crops like corn or sunflowers. To reduce wind damage, plant windbreaks of trees or shrubs around your fields.
You can also choose shorter crop varieties. Dwarf sunflowers and short-stature wheat are less likely to lodge. Planting in rows perpendicular to the prevailing wind also helps.
Pests And Diseases
Common pests in Wyoming include grasshoppers, aphids, and cutworms. Scouting your fields regularly is the best defense. Use integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize chemical use.
Diseases like rust and blight can affect grains. Choose resistant varieties and rotate crops to break disease cycles. Clean your equipment between fields to prevent spreading pathogens.
Financial Considerations For Wyoming Cash Crops
Farming is a business, so you need to think about money. Here are the key financial factors.
Startup Costs
Buying land is the biggest expense. Irrigated land in Wyoming can cost $2,000 to $5,000 per acre. Dryland is cheaper, often $500 to $1,500 per acre.
Equipment is another major cost. A new combine can cost $300,000 or more. Consider buying used equipment or leasing to reduce upfront expenses.
Operating Costs
Seed, fertilizer, fuel, and labor add up. For dry beans, expect to spend about $200 to $300 per acre on inputs. For wheat, it’s around $150 to $250 per acre.
Irrigation costs vary widely. Pumping groundwater can be expensive if you have deep wells. Surface water from rivers is usually cheaper but less reliable.
Revenue Potential
Profit margins depend on yield and price. Dry beans can yield 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre, with prices around $0.30 to $0.50 per pound. That gives you gross revenue of $450 to $1,250 per acre.
Alfalfa hay can yield 3 to 6 tons per acre, with prices from $150 to $300 per ton. That’s $450 to $1,800 per acre in gross revenue. But hay requires more labor and equipment.
Always calculate your break-even point. Know how much you need to produce to cover your costs. Only then can you decide if a crop is worth growing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most profitable cash crop in Wyoming?
Alfalfa hay often brings the highest profit per acre, especially for export markets. But dry beans and sunflowers can also be very profitable if you have good yields and strong prices.
Can you grow corn for cash in Wyoming?
Yes, but it’s risky. Corn needs a long growing season and lots of water. It’s better suited to southeastern Wyoming where irrigation is available. Field corn for grain is more common than sweet corn.
Do I need irrigation to grow cash crops in Wyoming?
Not always. Dryland crops like winter wheat, safflower, and millet can grow without irrigation. But yields will be lower and less reliable. Irrigation greatly expands your options and reduces risk.
How do I find buyers for my cash crops in Wyoming?
Start by contacting local grain elevators, feedlots, and co-ops. The Wyoming Department of Agriculture also has a list of buyers. You can also join farmer networks or use online platforms to find direct buyers.
What is the best crop for beginners in Wyoming?
Winter wheat is a good choice for beginners. It’s easy to grow, has a well-established market, and requires less specialized equipment. Start with a small acreage to learn the ropes.
Final Thoughts On Wyoming Cash Crops
Wyoming’s harsh climate doesn’t have to limit your farming success. By choosing the **best cash crops to grow in wyoming**, you can build a profitable operation that withstands drought, wind, and short seasons.
Start with one or two crops that match your resources. Test your soil, secure your water, and learn the market. With careful planning and hard work, you can turn Wyoming’s challenges into opportunities.
Remember to stay flexible. Crop prices change, weather patterns shift, and new varieties become available. Keep learning and adapting. That’s the key to long-term success in Wyoming agriculture.
If you have questions, talk to your local extension office. They offer free advice and resources for farmers. You can also connect with other growers through the Wyoming Farm Bureau or online forums.
Good luck with your farming journey. The right crop choice can make all the difference.