Idaho’s volcanic soil and cold nights produce exceptional yields of a crop famous worldwide, and when you’re looking for the best cash crops to grow in idaho, you need a plan that matches your land and goals. This guide breaks down the top options for profit, climate fit, and market demand.
Idaho isn’t just potatoes. You can grow a variety of high-value crops that thrive in its unique growing conditions. The key is matching your soil type, water access, and local market to the right plant.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Idaho
Let’s get straight to the list. These crops have proven profitable for Idaho farmers, from the Snake River Plain to the northern panhandle. Each one has specific requirements and earning potential.
Potatoes: The King Of Idaho Cash Crops
You knew this was coming. Idaho grows about one-third of all US potatoes. The volcanic soil and cool nights create perfect conditions for high-starch, low-moisture tubers. Russet Burbank is the classic choice for processing into fries and hash browns.
Profit margins can be strong if you have contracts with processors like Lamb Weston or McCain. Fresh market potatoes also sell well, but you need storage facilities. A typical yield is 400 to 500 hundredweight per acre, with prices ranging from $8 to $15 per hundredweight depending on the year.
- Best varieties: Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Alturas
- Soil needs: Sandy loam, well-drained, pH 5.5 to 6.5
- Water: 18 to 24 inches per season, irrigation essential
- Challenges: High input costs for fertilizer and pest control, disease pressure from late blight
Wheat: A Reliable Staple For Idaho Farms
Idaho is a top wheat producer, especially for soft white wheat used in pastries and Asian noodles. Winter wheat is planted in fall and harvested in July, making good use of spring moisture. Spring wheat works for later planting.
Yields average 80 to 100 bushels per acre for winter wheat. Prices fluctuate, but wheat offers stable demand and lower input costs than potatoes. You can sell to local elevators or directly to mills.
- Choose between soft white, hard red, or hard white varieties based on your market
- Plant winter wheat in September or October for best yields
- Apply nitrogen in early spring for optimal protein content
- Harvest when moisture drops below 13% to avoid dockage
Barley: A Cash Crop For Malt And Feed
Idaho’s barley is prized by brewers and distillers. Two-row barley varieties like ‘Conrad’ and ‘Haxby’ produce high-quality malt. Feed barley also has a steady market from local dairies and feedlots.
You can expect 70 to 90 bushels per acre. Malt barley commands a premium, but you need to meet strict quality standards for protein and germination. Irrigation helps ensure consistent quality in dry years.
- Best varieties: Conrad, Haxby, Merit 57
- Soil needs: Well-drained loam, pH 6.0 to 7.5
- Water: 12 to 18 inches, less than wheat
- Challenges: Lodging in high-nitrogen soils, disease like net blotch
Sugar Beets: High Value, High Management
Sugar beets are a major cash crop in the Magic Valley and other irrigated areas. You need a contract with a sugar company like Amalgamated Sugar or Snake River Sugar. The crop requires precise management but pays well.
Yields average 30 to 40 tons per acre. Prices are set by contract, typically around $40 to $50 per ton. The crop needs a long growing season and plenty of water. Harvest happens in late September through October.
- Prepare a fine seedbed with deep tillage for root development
- Plant in early April when soil reaches 45°F
- Thin to 30,000 to 35,000 plants per acre for uniform roots
- Monitor for cercospora leaf spot and apply fungicides as needed
- Harvest with a defoliator and lifter, then haul to the factory quickly
Alfalfa Hay: A Perennial Profit Powerhouse
Alfalfa is a top cash crop for Idaho, especially for dairy and beef operations. You can get three to four cuttings per year under irrigation. The crop fixes nitrogen, improving soil for future crops.
Yields range from 6 to 10 tons per acre. Premium hay with high protein and low fiber sells for $200 to $300 per ton. You can sell to local dairies, horse owners, or export markets in Asia.
- Best varieties: WL 363, Ameristand 403T, Pioneer 54V09
- Soil needs: Deep, well-drained loam, pH 6.5 to 7.5
- Water: 24 to 36 inches per season
- Challenges: Alfalfa weevil, aphids, and stand longevity (3 to 5 years)
Corn: Grain And Silage Options
Field corn for grain and silage is common in southern Idaho. You need irrigation for consistent yields. Grain corn averages 180 to 220 bushels per acre. Silage yields 25 to 35 tons per acre.
Corn fits well in rotation with potatoes and sugar beets. It breaks pest cycles and adds organic matter. You can sell grain to feedlots or ethanol plants, or feed silage to your own livestock.
- Choose a hybrid with 95 to 110 day maturity for your zone
- Plant in mid-May when soil is warm, 50°F at 2 inches depth
- Apply 150 to 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre
- Irrigate during tasseling and grain fill for best yields
- Harvest grain at 15% moisture, silage at 30% to 35% dry matter
Onions: A Specialty Crop With Strong Demand
Idaho is famous for sweet onions, especially from the Treasure Valley. Yellow, white, and red varieties all do well. You need sandy soil and careful irrigation to avoid disease.
Yields average 600 to 800 50-pound bags per acre. Prices vary but can reach $15 to $25 per bag for premium sweet onions. Storage is critical—you need cool, dry facilities to hold them for winter sales.
- Best varieties: Walla Walla Sweet, Redwing, White Sweet Spanish
- Soil needs: Sandy loam, well-drained, pH 6.0 to 6.8
- Water: 18 to 24 inches, consistent moisture
- Challenges: Thrips, downy mildew, and bulb rot in wet years
Dry Beans: A Niche Crop With Premium Prices
Dry beans like pinto, black, and kidney beans grow well in Idaho’s climate. They need a warm summer and irrigation. You can sell to food processors or directly to retailers.
Yields range from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds per acre. Prices depend on the type, but pinto beans often bring $30 to $50 per hundredweight. The crop fixes nitrogen, benefiting following crops.
- Plant after soil warms to 60°F, usually late May
- Use row spacing of 22 to 30 inches for good airflow
- Control weeds with cultivation and herbicides
- Harvest when pods are dry and beans rattle, usually in September
Canola: An Oilseed With Growing Demand
Canola is gaining popularity in Idaho for its oil and meal. It fits well in rotation with wheat and barley. You can grow spring or winter varieties, though winter canola is riskier in cold areas.
Yields average 2,000 to 3,000 pounds per acre. Prices follow vegetable oil markets, often $15 to $20 per bushel. Canola breaks disease cycles in cereal crops and provides a cash return.
- Best varieties: Hyola 571, InVigor L140P, Croplan 307
- Soil needs: Well-drained loam, pH 6.0 to 7.0
- Water: 14 to 18 inches
- Challenges: Flea beetles, sclerotinia stem rot, and shattering at harvest
Mint: A High-Value Perennial
Peppermint and spearmint are specialty crops in Idaho. They require irrigation and specific soil conditions. The oil is used in chewing gum, toothpaste, and candy.
Yields average 80 to 120 pounds of oil per acre. Prices are volatile but often exceed $20 per pound for peppermint. You need a distillery setup or contract with a processor.
- Plant rooted cuttings in spring, spaced 18 to 24 inches apart
- Control weeds with pre-emergent herbicides and cultivation
- Harvest in late July to early August, when oil content peaks
- Distill immediately to capture the oil, then store in cool, dark containers
Hops: A Growing Niche For Craft Beer
Idaho is the third-largest hop producer in the US. The Treasure Valley and Magic Valley have ideal conditions. Hops need trellis systems and significant labor, but returns can be high.
Yields average 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices vary by variety, but aroma hops often bring $5 to $10 per pound. You need contracts with breweries or a cooperative.
- Best varieties: Citra, Mosaic, Simcoe, Cascade
- Soil needs: Deep, well-drained loam, pH 6.0 to 7.0
- Water: 24 to 36 inches, drip irrigation recommended
- Challenges: High establishment costs, powdery mildew, and labor for training and harvest
Grapes: Wine And Juice Opportunities
Idaho’s wine industry is small but growing. The Snake River Valley AVA produces quality wines from Riesling, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. You need a long-term investment in trellises and irrigation.
Yields vary by variety, from 3 to 8 tons per acre. Grape prices range from $1,000 to $3,000 per ton for wine grapes. Juice grapes for concentrate also have a market.
- Choose a site with good air drainage to avoid frost pockets
- Plant in spring, spacing vines 6 to 8 feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart
- Train vines on a trellis system, like vertical shoot positioning
- Prune in winter to balance crop load and vine health
- Harvest in September to October, testing sugar levels for ripeness
Lentils And Chickpeas: Pulse Crops For Rotation
Pulse crops like lentils and chickpeas are gaining traction in Idaho. They fix nitrogen and break disease cycles in cereal rotations. You can sell to food companies or export markets.
Lentil yields average 1,200 to 1,800 pounds per acre. Chickpeas yield 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices depend on type, but chickpeas often bring $20 to $30 per hundredweight.
- Best varieties: Lentils: Richlea, Eston; Chickpeas: Sierra, Dylan
- Soil needs: Well-drained loam, pH 6.0 to 7.5
- Water: 10 to 14 inches, drought-tolerant
- Challenges: Ascochyta blight in chickpeas, weed competition in lentils
Safflower: A Drought-Tolerant Oilseed
Safflower is a tough crop for dryland or limited irrigation. It produces oil for cooking and birdseed. You can grow it on marginal soils where other crops struggle.
Yields average 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices are modest, around $15 to $20 per hundredweight. Safflower has low input costs and fits well in rotation with wheat.
- Plant in early spring, as soon as soil is workable
- Use row spacing of 12 to 18 inches for good stands
- Control weeds with cultivation, as herbicides are limited
- Harvest when heads are dry and seeds rattle, usually in August
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Profitable Cash Crop In Idaho?
Potatoes and sugar beets often have the highest profit potential per acre, but they also require the highest investment in inputs and management. Hops and mint can be very profitable for smaller acreages if you have the right market.
Can I Grow Cash Crops In Idaho Without Irrigation?
Yes, but your options are limited. Dryland wheat, barley, and safflower can work in areas with 12 to 18 inches of annual rainfall. Most high-value crops like potatoes and onions need irrigation.
What Is The Best Cash Crop For Beginners In Idaho?
Wheat or barley are good starting points. They have lower input costs, established markets, and more forgiving management. You can learn the basics of farming while building capital for higher-value crops.
How Do I Find Buyers For My Cash Crops In Idaho?
Start with local elevators, processors, and cooperatives. Attend farm shows and join grower associations. Many crops like sugar beets and potatoes require contracts before planting, so build relationships early.
What Soil Type Is Best For Cash Crops In Idaho?
Well-drained loam soils are ideal for most crops. Sandy loam works well for potatoes and onions. Clay loam can be good for wheat and alfalfa if drainage is managed. Always test your soil before planting.
Final Thoughts On Idaho Cash Crops
Choosing the best cash crops to grow in idaho depends on your land, water, and market access. Start with one or two crops that match your resources, then expand as you gain experience. The state’s diverse climate and strong agricultural infrastructure support a wide range of profitable options.
Remember to rotate crops to maintain soil health and reduce pest pressure. Keep records of yields and costs to refine your choices each year. With careful planning, you can build a successful farming operation in Idaho’s rich agricultural landscape.
Whether you go with potatoes, wheat, or a specialty crop like hops, the key is matching the crop to your specific conditions. Talk to local extension agents and experienced farmers for advice tailored to your area. Good luck with your harvest.