Minnesota farmers face a short growing season, but several high-value crops consistently turn a profit. Identifying the best cash crops to grow in minnesota requires careful planning and an understanding of local soil and climate conditions.
You don’t need a massive farm to make money. Even small acreage can generate strong returns if you pick the right crops. Let’s look at the top options for your Minnesota land.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Minnesota
This list covers crops that thrive in Minnesota’s cold winters and warm summers. Each one has proven market demand and reasonable risk.
Corn
Corn is the king of Minnesota cash crops. It covers millions of acres across the state. You can sell it for grain, silage, or ethanol production.
Corn needs fertile soil and adequate rainfall. Southern Minnesota offers the best conditions, but northern areas can also produce good yields with the right hybrids.
- Average yield: 180–200 bushels per acre
- Market price: $4–$6 per bushel
- Growing season: 100–120 days
You’ll need to invest in seed, fertilizer, and equipment. But corn remains one of the most reliable cash crops in the region.
Soybeans
Soybeans are another staple for Minnesota farmers. They require less nitrogen than corn and improve soil health through nitrogen fixation.
The crop works well in rotation with corn. Many farmers plant soybeans after corn to break pest cycles and reduce disease pressure.
- Average yield: 45–55 bushels per acre
- Market price: $10–$14 per bushel
- Growing season: 90–110 days
Soybeans are less input-intensive than corn. That makes them a good choice if you want to lower your upfront costs.
Wheat
Spring wheat grows well in northern Minnesota. The cooler climate reduces disease pressure and produces high-quality grain for baking.
Winter wheat is also an option if you plant it in the fall. It provides ground cover over winter and can be harvested earlier than spring wheat.
- Average yield: 50–70 bushels per acre
- Market price: $6–$8 per bushel
- Growing season: 90–110 days
Wheat prices can be volatile, but it remains a solid rotational crop. It also leaves residue that protects soil from erosion.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a niche crop with strong demand. They grow well in western Minnesota where the climate is drier and sunnier.
You can sell sunflowers for birdseed, oil, or confectionery use. The market is smaller than corn or soybeans, but prices are often higher.
- Average yield: 1,500–2,000 pounds per acre
- Market price: $0.20–$0.30 per pound
- Growing season: 100–120 days
Sunflowers tolerate drought better than corn. They also attract pollinators, which can benefit nearby crops.
Canola
Canola is a cool-season oilseed crop. It performs best in northern Minnesota where summers are mild.
The oil is used for cooking and biodiesel. The meal is a high-protein livestock feed. Both markets are stable and growing.
- Average yield: 1,500–2,000 pounds per acre
- Market price: $0.15–$0.25 per pound
- Growing season: 85–100 days
Canola requires careful management of pests and weeds. But it offers good returns on well-drained soils.
Potatoes
Minnesota is a top potato-producing state. The Red River Valley in the northwest has ideal sandy loam soils for potato production.
You can sell potatoes for fresh market, chips, or processing. Contracts with processors provide price stability.
- Average yield: 300–400 hundredweight per acre
- Market price: $8–$12 per hundredweight
- Growing season: 90–120 days
Potatoes require high inputs of fertilizer and water. They also need careful handling to prevent bruising and disease.
Dry Beans
Dry beans like pinto, black, and navy beans grow well in Minnesota. The state is a leading producer of kidney beans.
Beans are a high-value crop that fits into rotation with corn and soybeans. They fix nitrogen and improve soil structure.
- Average yield: 1,500–2,500 pounds per acre
- Market price: $0.30–$0.50 per pound
- Growing season: 90–110 days
Dry beans require careful weed control and timely harvest. But the profit potential is excellent for small farms.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a perennial forage crop. It’s used for hay, silage, and pasture. Dairy and beef operations create strong demand.
Alfalfa can produce for three to five years without replanting. That reduces annual establishment costs.
- Average yield: 4–6 tons per acre
- Market price: $150–$250 per ton
- Growing season: Multiple cuttings from May to September
Alfalfa improves soil health with deep roots. It also reduces erosion and provides habitat for wildlife.
Oats
Oats are a cool-season grain that matures quickly. They work well as a cover crop or a cash crop.
Oats are used for livestock feed, oatmeal, and baking. The market is smaller but stable.
- Average yield: 60–80 bushels per acre
- Market price: $3–$5 per bushel
- Growing season: 60–90 days
Oats require less fertilizer than corn or wheat. They also suppress weeds and improve soil structure.
Barley
Barley is another cool-season grain. It’s used for animal feed and malting for beer production.
Malting barley commands a premium price. But it requires careful management to meet quality standards.
- Average yield: 50–70 bushels per acre
- Market price: $4–$7 per bushel
- Growing season: 70–90 days
Barley grows well in northern Minnesota. It’s also a good rotational crop to break disease cycles.
Flax
Flax is a niche oilseed crop. It’s grown for linseed oil, which is used in paints, varnishes, and health supplements.
Flax grows well in cool, moist conditions. It’s a short-season crop that fits into northern rotations.
- Average yield: 1,200–1,800 pounds per acre
- Market price: $0.20–$0.35 per pound
- Growing season: 90–110 days
Flax requires careful weed management. But it offers a unique market opportunity for specialty growers.
Hemp
Industrial hemp is a newer cash crop in Minnesota. It can be grown for fiber, grain, or CBD production.
Hemp grows well in well-drained soils. It requires a license from the state and careful record-keeping.
- Average yield: 2,000–4,000 pounds of grain per acre
- Market price: $0.50–$1.00 per pound for grain
- Growing season: 100–120 days
Hemp markets are still developing. But early adopters can capture premium prices if they find the right buyers.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a high-value specialty crop. They grow well in southern Minnesota with full sun and fertile soil.
You can sell pumpkins for Halloween, canning, or seed production. Direct sales at farmers markets or u-pick operations boost profits.
- Average yield: 20,000–40,000 pounds per acre
- Market price: $0.10–$0.20 per pound
- Growing season: 90–120 days
Pumpkins require careful irrigation and pest management. But they offer strong returns per acre.
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a fresh market vegetable. It’s different from field corn and commands higher prices.
You can sell sweet corn at farmers markets, roadside stands, or to local grocery stores. It’s a popular summer crop.
- Average yield: 10,000–15,000 ears per acre
- Market price: $0.25–$0.50 per ear
- Growing season: 70–90 days
Sweet corn requires timely harvest and quick cooling. But it’s a great crop for small-scale farmers.
Apples
Apples are a perennial fruit crop. They require an investment in trees and several years to reach full production.
Minnesota has several cold-hardy apple varieties. You can sell fresh apples, cider, or processed products.
- Average yield: 300–600 bushels per acre
- Market price: $20–$40 per bushel
- Growing season: 150–180 days
Apples require regular pruning, spraying, and thinning. But they can produce income for decades once established.
Blueberries
Blueberries are a high-value berry crop. They grow well in acidic soils, which are common in northern Minnesota.
You can sell fresh blueberries, frozen berries, or value-added products like jam. The market is strong and growing.
- Average yield: 5,000–10,000 pounds per acre
- Market price: $2–$5 per pound
- Growing season: 120–150 days
Blueberries require soil amendment and irrigation. But they offer excellent returns for small farms.
Grapes
Grapes for wine or juice are a growing crop in Minnesota. Cold-hardy varieties like Marquette and Frontenac thrive here.
The wine industry in Minnesota is expanding. Local wineries create demand for high-quality grapes.
- Average yield: 3–5 tons per acre
- Market price: $1,000–$2,000 per ton
- Growing season: 150–180 days
Grapes require trellising, pruning, and pest management. But they can be a profitable long-term investment.
How To Choose The Right Cash Crop For Your Farm
Selecting the best cash crop depends on several factors. Here’s a step-by-step process to help you decide.
Assess Your Soil And Climate
Start with a soil test. Know your soil type, pH, and nutrient levels. Match crops to your specific conditions.
Consider your growing zone. Minnesota ranges from zone 3 in the north to zone 5 in the south. Choose crops that fit your frost-free days.
Evaluate Market Demand
Research local markets. Talk to grain elevators, processors, and buyers. Find out what they need and what prices they offer.
Consider direct sales. Farmers markets, CSAs, and restaurants can pay higher prices for specialty crops.
Calculate Input Costs
List all costs: seed, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, labor, and equipment. Compare these to expected revenue per acre.
Some crops require high inputs but offer high returns. Others are low-cost but also lower profit. Find the balance that works for you.
Consider Rotation Benefits
Rotating crops improves soil health and reduces pest pressure. Plan a rotation that includes both cash crops and cover crops.
For example, corn followed by soybeans is a common rotation. Adding wheat or alfalfa can break disease cycles.
Think About Risk
No crop is risk-free. Weather, pests, and market prices can all affect your income. Diversify your crop mix to spread risk.
Consider crop insurance. It can protect you from catastrophic losses due to hail, drought, or flood.
Tips For Maximizing Profit From Cash Crops
Once you’ve chosen your crops, focus on efficiency and marketing. Here are practical tips to boost your bottom line.
Use Precision Agriculture
GPS-guided equipment and variable-rate technology can reduce input waste. Apply fertilizer and pesticides only where needed.
Yield monitors help you identify high- and low-producing areas. Use that data to adjust your management.
Improve Soil Health
Healthy soil grows better crops. Use cover crops, reduced tillage, and organic matter additions to build soil structure.
Soil health also improves water retention and nutrient availability. That means lower costs and higher yields over time.
Market Smart
Don’t just sell at harvest. Use storage to wait for better prices. On-farm storage for grain or cold storage for produce can increase profits.
Explore value-added options. Process your crops into flour, oil, or frozen products to capture more of the consumer dollar.
Manage Weeds And Pests
Integrated pest management reduces chemical costs. Scout fields regularly and use biological controls when possible.
Rotate herbicides to prevent resistance. Clean equipment to avoid spreading weed seeds.
Keep Records
Track every expense and income. Use farm management software or a simple spreadsheet. Good records help you make better decisions.
Review your records each year. Identify which crops performed best and why. Adjust your plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Profitable Cash Crop In Minnesota?
Corn and soybeans are the most profitable on a large scale. For small farms, specialty crops like sunflowers, dry beans, or pumpkins can yield higher returns per acre.
Can You Grow Cash Crops On Small Acreage In Minnesota?
Yes. Crops like sweet corn, pumpkins, blueberries, and hemp can generate good income on 5–10 acres. Focus on high-value markets like farmers markets or direct sales.
What Cash Crops Grow Best In Northern Minnesota?
Spring wheat, canola, barley, oats, and flax perform well in cooler climates. Potatoes and sunflowers also do well in the north.
How Do I Start Growing Cash Crops In Minnesota?
Start with a soil test and a business plan. Choose one or two crops that match your land and market. Start small and expand as you gain experience.
Is Hemp A Good Cash Crop In Minnesota?
Hemp has potential but requires a license and careful management. Markets are still developing, so research buyers before planting.
Minnesota offers many opportunities for cash crop farming. The key is to match your crops to your land, climate, and market. Start with proven options like corn and soybeans, then experiment with specialty crops as you gain confidence.
With careful planning and hard work, you can turn your Minnesota farm into a profitable enterprise. The short growing season is a challenge, but the right crops will reward you with solid returns year after year.