Virginia’s soil and climate offer surprising opportunities beyond tobacco for profitable farming. If you’re looking for the best cash crops to grow in virginia, you have more options than you might think. The state’s diverse geography, from the Coastal Plain to the Appalachian Mountains, supports a wide range of high-value crops that can turn a solid profit.
Many farmers are moving away from traditional staples and into specialty crops that meet growing consumer demand. Whether you have a few acres or a larger operation, there’s a cash crop that fits your land and goals.
Let’s walk through the top contenders for Virginia’s farmland. We’ll cover what grows well, what sells, and how to get started.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Virginia
Virginia’s agricultural landscape is rich with potential. The key is matching your crop choice to your specific region, soil type, and market access. Below are the most profitable and practical options.
Soybeans: A Reliable Staple
Soybeans are the most planted crop in Virginia, covering over 600,000 acres annually. They thrive in the state’s warm summers and well-drained soils, especially in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain regions.
Why soybeans work:
- High demand for animal feed and biodiesel
- Low input costs compared to corn
- Good rotation crop that fixes nitrogen in the soil
- Stable prices with government support programs
You can expect yields of 40 to 60 bushels per acre. At current prices around $12 per bushel, that’s $480 to $720 per acre before expenses. Profit margins are thin but consistent.
Corn: High Yield, High Risk
Corn is another major cash crop in Virginia, planted on roughly 500,000 acres. It requires more fertilizer and water than soybeans, but yields are higher.
Key points for corn:
- Best grown in the Coastal Plain and Shenandoah Valley
- Needs irrigation in dry years for optimal yields
- Used for grain, silage, and ethanol production
- Prices fluctuate with commodity markets
Average yields range from 120 to 180 bushels per acre. At $5 per bushel, that’s $600 to $900 per acre. But input costs can eat up half that revenue, so careful management is critical.
Wheat: A Winter Crop With Dual Purpose
Winter wheat is planted in the fall and harvested in early summer. It’s a great rotation crop that breaks pest cycles and provides ground cover over winter.
Benefits of wheat:
- Dual purpose: grain for flour or livestock feed, straw for bedding
- Low input costs compared to corn
- Can be double-cropped with soybeans for extra income
- Good for no-till farming systems
Yields average 60 to 80 bushels per acre. At $6 per bushel, that’s $360 to $480 per acre. Straw adds another $50 to $100 per acre if sold separately.
Hay And Forage: Steady Demand From Livestock
Virginia has a large livestock industry, including cattle, horses, and sheep. Hay is always in demand, especially high-quality alfalfa and orchardgrass mixes.
Types of hay to consider:
- Alfalfa: high protein, premium price
- Orchardgrass: good for horses and cattle
- Timothy: popular for horse hay
- Mixed grass-legume: balanced nutrition
Hay prices vary widely by quality. Premium alfalfa can fetch $200 to $300 per ton, while grass hay sells for $100 to $150 per ton. Yields range from 3 to 6 tons per acre per year.
Tobacco: Still Profitable, But Regulated
Virginia has a long history with tobacco, and it remains a high-value cash crop. However, it’s heavily regulated and requires significant labor and expertise.
What you need to know:
- Only certain varieties are legal to grow
- Must have a quota or contract with a buyer
- High input costs for fertilizer, pesticides, and curing
- Returns can exceed $4,000 per acre for flue-cured types
Due to declining demand and health concerns, tobacco is not for everyone. But for experienced growers with established markets, it can still be very profitable.
Vegetables And Specialty Crops: Higher Risk, Higher Reward
Fresh vegetables and specialty crops offer the potential for high returns per acre. They require more labor and marketing effort, but the payoff can be substantial.
Top vegetable crops for Virginia:
- Tomatoes: fresh market or processing
- Sweet corn: popular at farmers markets
- Pumpkins: fall sales and agritourism
- Peppers: bell and hot varieties
- Leafy greens: lettuce, kale, spinach
Small farms can earn $10,000 to $30,000 per acre with intensive vegetable production. The key is finding local buyers, such as restaurants, grocery stores, or direct-to-consumer sales.
Fruit Crops: Long-Term Investment
Fruit trees and berries take several years to establish but can produce income for decades. Virginia’s climate supports a variety of fruits.
Popular fruit crops:
- Apples: Shenandoah Valley is famous for them
- Peaches: best in the Piedmont region
- Grapes: wine industry is growing rapidly
- Blueberries: high demand, good for pick-your-own
- Strawberries: annual crop, quick returns
Establishment costs are high, but mature orchards can yield $5,000 to $15,000 per acre annually. Wine grapes are especially lucrative, with premium varieties selling for $2,000 to $4,000 per ton.
Industrial Hemp: Emerging Opportunity
Hemp was legalized in 2018 and has gained traction in Virginia. It’s used for CBD oil, fiber, and grain. The market is still developing, so caution is advised.
Hemp considerations:
- Requires a license from the Virginia Department of Agriculture
- CBD hemp can yield $5,000 to $20,000 per acre
- Fiber hemp is less profitable but easier to grow
- Market prices have dropped as supply increased
Hemp is not a get-rich-quick crop. But for farmers willing to learn and find buyers, it offers a new revenue stream.
Christmas Trees: A Niche With Steady Demand
Virginia is a top producer of Christmas trees in the Mid-Atlantic. It takes 7 to 10 years to grow a marketable tree, but the returns are solid.
Popular species:
- White pine: fast-growing, affordable
- Fraser fir: premium, high demand
- Blue spruce: popular for its color
- Norway spruce: good for windy sites
You can sell trees wholesale for $20 to $40 each or retail for $50 to $100. A well-managed acre can produce 500 to 1,000 trees, with annual income of $5,000 to $20,000 once mature.
Grains For Local Markets: Oats, Barley, Rye
Small grains like oats, barley, and rye are gaining popularity for local food systems and craft brewing. They can be grown as cover crops or cash crops.
Uses for small grains:
- Oats: livestock feed, oatmeal, granola
- Barley: malt for beer, animal feed
- Rye: whiskey, bread flour, cover crop
Yields are lower than corn or soybeans, but prices can be higher for specialty markets. Barley for malting can sell for $8 to $12 per bushel, compared to $4 for feed barley.
Poultry And Livestock: Not Crops, But Worth Mentioning
While not cash crops in the traditional sense, poultry and livestock are major agricultural enterprises in Virginia. Broilers, turkeys, and cattle generate billions in revenue.
If you have pasture, consider:
- Beef cattle: grass-fed or grain-finished
- Sheep: meat and wool
- Goats: meat, milk, or brush control
- Poultry: contract or free-range
These enterprises can complement your crop operation by providing manure for fertilizer and diversifying income.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Cash Crop
Not every crop works on every farm. Here are key factors to evaluate before planting.
Soil Type And Quality
Virginia’s soils vary from sandy loams in the east to clay loams in the west. Get a soil test to know your pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels. Most crops prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Climate And Growing Season
The state spans USDA hardiness zones 6a to 8a. The growing season ranges from 150 days in the mountains to 220 days along the coast. Choose crops that match your local frost dates.
Market Access
Who will buy your crop? Consider distance to processing plants, farmers markets, or distribution centers. Local demand for organic or specialty products can command higher prices.
Labor Availability
Some crops, like vegetables and tobacco, require significant hand labor. Others, like soybeans and corn, can be mechanized. Assess your labor situation before committing.
Equipment And Infrastructure
Do you have the right tractors, planters, harvesters, and storage? Leasing or custom hiring can reduce upfront costs, but plan accordingly.
Risk Management
Crop insurance, diversification, and contracts can protect against price swings and weather disasters. Federal programs are available for most major crops.
Steps To Start Growing Cash Crops In Virginia
Follow these steps to launch your farming operation successfully.
- Research your region’s top crops. Visit the Virginia Cooperative Extension website for local data.
- Test your soil. Send samples to Virginia Tech’s lab for analysis.
- Create a business plan. Include budget, marketing strategy, and risk management.
- Secure financing. Talk to Farm Credit or local banks about loans.
- Choose your first crop. Start small to learn the ropes.
- Prepare the land. Till, amend, and plant cover crops if needed.
- Plant at the right time. Follow recommended planting dates for your zone.
- Manage pests and weeds. Use integrated pest management to reduce costs.
- Harvest at peak quality. Timing affects yield and price.
- Market your crop. Build relationships with buyers early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Profitable Cash Crop To Grow In Virginia?
Tobacco and specialty vegetables like tomatoes can yield the highest returns per acre. However, they require more labor and expertise. For most farmers, soybeans and corn offer the best balance of profit and simplicity.
Can You Grow Cash Crops On Small Acreage In Virginia?
Yes. High-value crops like vegetables, berries, and cut flowers can generate significant income on 1 to 5 acres. Focus on direct sales to local markets for the best prices.
What Cash Crops Grow Best In The Shenandoah Valley?
The Shenandoah Valley is ideal for apples, corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. The fertile limestone soils and moderate climate support a wide range of crops.
Is Organic Farming Profitable For Cash Crops In Virginia?
Organic premiums can make it profitable, but yields are often lower. Crops like organic soybeans, corn, and vegetables can fetch 50% to 100% higher prices. Certification takes three years.
What Are The Best Cash Crops For Beginners In Virginia?
Start with soybeans or hay. They are low-maintenance, have established markets, and require less specialized knowledge. You can expand into higher-value crops as you gain experience.
Virginia offers a wealth of opportunities for farmers willing to adapt and learn. The best cash crops to grow in virginia depend on your land, skills, and market. Start with one or two crops, master them, then diversify. With careful planning and hard work, you can build a profitable farming business in the Old Dominion.