Montana’s wide temperature swings and short frost-free period demand crops with exceptional hardiness. If you are looking for the best cash crops to grow in montana, you need plants that can handle cold snaps, dry spells, and a short growing season. This guide breaks down the top options for your farm or homestead.
Montana farmers face unique challenges. The state ranges from USDA zones 3a to 5a, with some areas seeing frost as late as June. But with the right choices, you can still turn a profit. Let’s look at the crops that thrive here.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Montana
When we talk about cash crops, we mean plants you grow specifically to sell for income. In Montana, the classics like wheat and barley dominate, but there are newer options gaining traction. The key is matching the crop to your local soil and microclimate.
Hard Red Spring Wheat
Wheat is the king of Montana agriculture. The state is a top producer of hard red spring wheat, which is prized for bread flour. It handles the cold well and does not need a long season to mature.
- Growing season: 90-110 days
- Average yield: 40-60 bushels per acre
- Price range: $6-$8 per bushel (varies by market)
- Best for: Dryland farming, minimal irrigation
Wheat is low maintenance once planted. You seed it in early spring and harvest in late summer. It is a reliable choice for beginners because the market is stable.
Barley
Montana is the second-largest barley producer in the US. Most of it goes to malt for beer and whiskey. The cool nights and dry climate actually help the grain develop better flavor.
- Plant in April or May after the last frost.
- Use a no-till drill to conserve soil moisture.
- Apply nitrogen fertilizer based on soil tests.
- Harvest in August when the heads turn golden.
Barley is more sensitive to weeds than wheat. You need to manage them early. But the premium for malting barley can be 20-30% higher than feed barley.
Pulse Crops: Lentils And Chickpeas
Pulse crops have exploded in Montana over the last decade. Lentils and chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are perfect for dryland farming. They fix nitrogen in the soil, which helps the next crop.
- Lentils: 60-90 days to maturity
- Chickpeas: 90-110 days to maturity
- Water needs: Very low, can handle drought
- Market: Strong demand for human consumption
One thing to watch is harvest timing. Pulse crops can shatter if left too long. You need a combine with a flex header to reduce losses. But the profit per acre can be higher than wheat.
Canola
Canola is a bright yellow flower that produces oilseed. It has become a major cash crop in northern Montana. The oil is used for cooking and biodiesel, while the meal goes to livestock feed.
Canola needs a bit more moisture than wheat. It does best in areas with 12-16 inches of annual rainfall. The crop is also sensitive to flea beetles, so you need insecticide-treated seed.
Yields average 1,500-2,000 pounds per acre. Prices fluctuate with global oil markets, but canola often beats wheat in net returns on good ground.
Alfalfa Hay
Montana is a top hay producer, and alfalfa is the star. It is a perennial crop that can last 3-5 years before needing replanting. You can harvest it 2-3 times per season.
- First cutting: Late May to early June
- Second cutting: Late July
- Third cutting: Early September (if weather allows)
- Market: Dairy farms, horse owners, export
Alfalfa requires good soil pH (6.5-7.5) and adequate phosphorus. It also needs pollinators for seed production if you grow it for seed. Hay prices are strong right now due to drought in other regions.
Hemp
Industrial hemp is a newer crop in Montana. It can be grown for fiber, grain, or CBD. The state has a pilot program that makes it legal with a license.
Hemp grows fast and suppresses weeds. It needs 100-120 days to mature for grain. For fiber, you harvest earlier. The challenge is finding a processor. Not all areas have facilities nearby.
CBD hemp is more profitable but riskier. You need female plants and must remove males to avoid pollination. The market for CBD has cooled, so do your research before planting.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are tough and love the sun. They do well in eastern Montana where it is drier. You can grow them for oilseed or confection (snack) markets.
- Oilseed sunflowers: 90-110 days, high oil content
- Confection sunflowers: 100-120 days, larger seeds
- Yield: 1,500-2,500 pounds per acre
- Pests: Birds can be a problem, need scare tactics
Sunflowers have deep roots that break up compacted soil. They are a good rotation crop after wheat. Just be aware that they remove a lot of potassium from the ground.
Potatoes
Montana has a small but growing potato industry. The volcanic soils in some areas are ideal for spuds. You need irrigation for consistent yields.
Potatoes are high-maintenance. They require hilling, pest control, and careful storage. But the return can be excellent, especially for specialty varieties like russets or reds.
Most Montana potatoes go to processing for chips or fries. You need a contract with a processor before planting. Do not grow them on spec.
Millet And Sorghum
These warm-season grasses are gaining popularity. They handle heat and drought better than corn. Millet matures in 60-80 days, making it a great catch crop.
Both are used for birdseed, livestock feed, and even human food (gluten-free flour). Yields are lower than corn, but input costs are also lower. They are a good option for marginal land.
Key Factors For Success In Montana
Choosing the right crop is only half the battle. You also need to manage your farm system well. Here are the most important factors.
Soil Health And Rotation
Montana soils vary widely. You need a soil test every 2-3 years. Focus on organic matter, pH, and nutrient levels.
- Rotate between grasses (wheat, barley) and broadleaf crops (lentils, canola).
- Use cover crops like winter rye to protect soil over winter.
- Reduce tillage to save moisture and build organic matter.
Good rotation breaks pest and disease cycles. It also improves weed control. Do not plant the same crop in the same field two years in a row.
Water Management
Montana is dry. Most farms rely on dryland farming (no irrigation). You need to capture and store every drop of moisture.
- Use no-till or minimum-till methods.
- Leave crop residue on the surface to reduce evaporation.
- Plant in narrow rows to shade the soil.
- Consider drip irrigation for high-value crops like potatoes.
Irrigation is expensive but can double or triple yields. If you have water rights, use them wisely. Center pivot systems are common in river valleys.
Market Access
You need a buyer before you plant. Montana is far from major markets, so transportation costs matter.
- Grain elevators: Most towns have one, but they may only take wheat or barley.
- Direct sales: Sell hay or vegetables to local ranchers and stores.
- Cooperatives: Join a co-op to get better prices for pulses or oilseeds.
- Online: Some farmers sell specialty crops like hemp or sunflowers online.
Check prices at the Chicago Board of Trade or local auction yards. Do not rely on word of mouth alone.
Climate Risks
Montana weather is unpredictable. Hail, drought, and early frost can wipe out a crop.
- Buy crop insurance. It is subsidized and worth the cost.
- Plant multiple crops to spread risk.
- Use early-maturing varieties to beat the frost.
- Monitor weather forecasts daily during critical periods.
Some farmers also invest in hail nets or windbreaks. These are expensive but can save your harvest in a bad year.
Step-By-Step Guide To Starting A Cash Crop Farm
If you are new to farming, follow these steps. They will help you avoid common mistakes.
- Test your soil. Send samples to a lab. Know your pH, organic matter, and nutrients.
- Choose your crop. Pick one or two from the list above. Start small.
- Prepare the land. Clear rocks, level fields, and address drainage issues.
- Buy seed. Use certified seed from a reputable dealer. Avoid saved seed for the first year.
- Plant at the right time. Check your local frost dates. Use a soil thermometer.
- Fertilize and weed. Follow a plan based on soil tests. Scout for weeds weekly.
- Harvest at maturity. Do not wait too long. Use a moisture meter for grains.
- Store properly. Clean bins, control temperature, and watch for pests.
- Sell your crop. Negotiate prices early. Deliver on time.
- Review and adjust. Keep records. Learn what worked and what did not.
Farming is a learning process. You will make mistakes. That is normal. The key is to keep improving each year.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
New farmers often fall into the same traps. Here are the biggest ones.
- Planting too early: Cold soil kills seeds. Wait until the ground warms up.
- Skipping soil tests: You waste money on fertilizer you do not need.
- Ignoring weeds: Weeds steal water and nutrients. Control them early.
- Overwatering: Too much water drowns roots and causes disease.
- Underpricing: Know your costs. Do not sell below break-even.
- Not having a contract: For specialty crops, get a written agreement first.
Take your time. Do not rush into big decisions. Talk to other farmers in your area. They have local knowledge that books cannot give you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most profitable cash crop in Montana?
It depends on your land and market. Malting barley and pulse crops like lentils often have the highest profit per acre. Wheat is more stable but lower margin.
Can you grow corn as a cash crop in Montana?
Yes, but it is risky. Corn needs a long, warm season and plenty of water. It is best in the southeastern part of the state with irrigation. Dryland corn is not recommended.
How much land do you need to make money farming in Montana?
For traditional grains, you need at least 500-1,000 acres to cover equipment costs. For high-value crops like hemp or potatoes, you can start with 10-20 acres.
Is organic farming profitable in Montana?
Organic grains and pulses can fetch 50-100% higher prices. But yields are often lower, and weed control is harder. It works best if you have good soil and patience.
What is the easiest cash crop for beginners?
Hard red spring wheat is the easiest. It is forgiving, has a stable market, and requires less management than other crops. Start with wheat to learn the basics.
Montana farming is not easy, but it is rewarding. The best cash crops to grow in montana are those that match your land, climate, and goals. Start with one or two crops, learn the ropes, and expand slowly. With hard work and smart choices, you can build a successful farm.
Remember to check local extension office resources. They offer free advice and soil testing. Also, join a local farm bureau to network with other growers. The community is strong and supportive.
Good luck with your planting season. May your fields be fruitful and your harvest bountiful.