Kansas farmers rely on deep, fertile topsoil to grow commodities that feed both livestock and global markets. If you are looking for the best cash crops to grow in kansas, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the most profitable and reliable options for your farm.
Kansas has a unique climate. It gets hot summers and cold winters. The rainfall varies a lot from east to west. That means not every crop works everywhere in the state. But with the right choices, you can make a solid income.
We will cover everything from traditional grains to emerging specialty crops. You will learn what grows best, how much you can earn, and what challenges to expect. Let us get started.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Kansas
This section breaks down the top crops that thrive in Kansas soil and climate. Each crop has its own strengths and weaknesses. We will look at yield potential, market demand, and growing requirements.
Wheat
Wheat is the king of Kansas crops. The state is the top wheat producer in the United States. Most of it is winter wheat, which is planted in the fall and harvested in early summer.
Wheat works well in dry areas of western Kansas. It needs less water than corn or soybeans. The deep roots help it survive drought periods. Many farmers use a wheat-sorghum-fallow rotation to conserve moisture.
Yields average around 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Prices fluctuate, but wheat often brings $5 to $7 per bushel. The profit margins are thinner than corn, but the lower input costs help balance things out.
One big advantage is the double-cropping potential. After wheat harvest in June or July, you can plant soybeans or sorghum for a second crop in the same year. This boosts your total income per acre.
Corn
Corn is a high-yield, high-input crop. It does best in eastern and central Kansas where rainfall is more reliable. Irrigation is common in western parts of the state.
Yields can reach 150 to 200 bushels per acre on dryland. Irrigated fields can hit 250 bushels or more. Prices usually range from $4 to $6 per bushel. But input costs for fertilizer, seed, and fuel are high.
Corn is used for animal feed, ethanol, and human food. The demand is steady. However, you need good management to make a profit. Soil fertility and pest control are critical.
Many farmers rotate corn with soybeans. This breaks pest cycles and improves soil health. Corn also leaves a lot of residue, which helps prevent erosion.
Soybeans
Soybeans are the second most planted crop in Kansas. They grow well in the eastern half of the state. They need less nitrogen than corn because they fix their own from the air.
Yields average 40 to 60 bushels per acre. Prices vary but often sit around $10 to $14 per bushel. The profit potential is good, especially when corn prices are low.
Soybeans are used for livestock feed, cooking oil, and biodiesel. Export demand is strong. The crop is also less risky than corn because input costs are lower.
One downside is that soybeans are sensitive to drought. They do best with consistent moisture during flowering and pod fill. In dry years, yields can drop significantly.
Sorghum
Sorghum is a drought-tolerant crop that thrives in western Kansas. It is often called milo. It uses water more efficiently than corn, making it a safer bet in dry areas.
Yields range from 80 to 120 bushels per acre. Prices are usually lower than corn, around $3 to $5 per bushel. But the lower input costs can make it equally profitable.
Sorghum is used for animal feed and ethanol. Some varieties are grown for human food, like gluten-free flour. The crop also has good heat tolerance, which helps during Kansas summers.
Many farmers plant sorghum after wheat in a double-crop system. It matures faster than corn, so it fits well into a tight growing season.
Cotton
Cotton has become more popular in southern Kansas over the last decade. New varieties with shorter maturity times make it possible to grow cotton in the state’s climate.
Yields average 800 to 1,200 pounds of lint per acre. Prices fluctuate but often bring $0.60 to $0.80 per pound. The profit potential is good, but the crop requires specialized equipment.
Cotton needs a long, warm growing season. It does best in the south-central and southeast regions. Irrigation helps in drier areas. The crop is also more labor-intensive than grains.
One challenge is that cotton harvest can be delayed by fall rains. You need a good plan for drying and storing the lint. But for farmers with the right setup, cotton can be a high-value option.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a niche crop with strong profit potential. They grow well in central and western Kansas. The deep taproot helps them access moisture deep in the soil.
Yields average 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices vary but often range from $0.18 to $0.25 per pound. The oil-type sunflowers are more common, but confectionary types can bring higher prices.
Sunflowers are used for cooking oil, birdseed, and snacks. The demand for healthy oils is growing. The crop also has good drought tolerance, making it a good choice for dry years.
One downside is that birds and deer love sunflowers. You may need to invest in bird deterrents or plant large fields to minimize damage. Harvest timing is also critical to avoid shattering.
Canola
Canola is a cool-season oilseed crop. It is planted in the fall and harvested in early summer, similar to winter wheat. It grows best in northern and central Kansas.
Yields average 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices often range from $0.18 to $0.30 per pound. The oil is used for cooking and biodiesel. The meal is used for livestock feed.
Canola is a good rotation crop for wheat. It breaks disease cycles and improves soil structure. The crop also has a shorter growing season, which fits well into a double-crop system.
One challenge is that canola is sensitive to frost during flowering. You need to choose varieties with good winter hardiness. Proper planting depth and timing are also important.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a perennial forage crop. It is grown for hay and livestock feed. It does best in irrigated areas of western and central Kansas. Dryland alfalfa is also possible in eastern parts.
Yields can reach 6 to 8 tons per acre with irrigation. Dryland yields are lower, around 3 to 4 tons. Prices vary but often bring $150 to $250 per ton. The profit potential is good for high-quality hay.
Alfalfa has deep roots that improve soil health. It fixes nitrogen, which benefits following crops. The stand can last 3 to 5 years, providing multiple harvests per season.
One downside is that alfalfa requires careful management. You need to control weeds, pests, and diseases. Harvest timing is critical to maintain quality. But for livestock farmers, it is a valuable crop.
Dry Beans
Dry beans are a specialty crop with high value per acre. They grow best in western Kansas with irrigation. The main types are pinto, black, and navy beans.
Yields average 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices vary but often range from $0.30 to $0.50 per pound. The profit potential is high, but the crop requires careful management.
Dry beans are used for human food. The demand is steady. They also fix nitrogen, which benefits the soil. However, they are sensitive to disease and need good irrigation management.
One challenge is that dry beans need specialized harvesting equipment. The pods are close to the ground, so you need a bean header. But for farmers with the right setup, it can be a profitable niche.
Potatoes
Potatoes are grown in limited areas of Kansas, mainly in the northwest. The sandy soils and cool nights are ideal for potato production. Irrigation is essential.
Yields can reach 300 to 400 hundredweight per acre. Prices vary but often bring $10 to $15 per hundredweight. The profit potential is good, but the crop requires high inputs.
Potatoes are used for fresh market, chips, and processing. The demand is consistent. However, the crop is susceptible to diseases like late blight. You need a good fungicide program.
One downside is that potatoes require a lot of labor for planting and harvest. Storage is also a challenge. But for farmers with the right infrastructure, it can be a high-value crop.
Millet
Millet is a small grain that grows well in dry areas. It is used for birdseed and livestock feed. It matures quickly, making it a good option for double-cropping after wheat.
Yields average 1,500 to 2,500 pounds per acre. Prices vary but often range from $0.10 to $0.20 per pound. The profit margins are thin, but the low input costs help.
Millet is drought-tolerant and grows well on poor soils. It is also a good rotation crop for wheat. The crop has few pest problems, which reduces the need for pesticides.
One challenge is that millet has a small market. You need to find a buyer before planting. But for farmers looking for a low-risk option, it can work well.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Cash Crops
Not every crop works on every farm. You need to think about your specific situation. Here are the key factors to consider.
Climate And Rainfall
Kansas has a wide range of climates. Eastern Kansas gets 35 to 40 inches of rain per year. Western Kansas gets only 15 to 20 inches. This difference affects which crops will thrive.
If you are in the east, you can grow corn, soybeans, and wheat. If you are in the west, you should focus on drought-tolerant crops like sorghum, wheat, and sunflowers. Irrigation can help, but it adds cost.
Soil Type
Kansas has many soil types. The deep, fertile loams in the east are ideal for row crops. The sandy soils in the west are better for potatoes and melons. Clay soils can be challenging for some crops.
Get a soil test before planting. This will tell you the pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels. You can then choose crops that match your soil conditions. Some crops, like alfalfa, need deep, well-drained soils.
Market Access
You need a buyer for your crop. Some crops have local markets, like feed grains for livestock. Others, like wheat and soybeans, are sold on global markets. Specialty crops may require contracts.
Check with local elevators, processors, and brokers. Find out what they are buying and at what price. You can also join a marketing cooperative to get better prices.
Input Costs
Some crops require high inputs. Corn needs a lot of fertilizer and water. Soybeans need less. Wheat needs moderate inputs. You need to calculate your break-even price before planting.
Consider the cost of seed, fertilizer, pesticides, fuel, and labor. Also factor in equipment costs. Some crops, like cotton, need specialized harvesters. Others, like wheat, can use standard equipment.
Rotation Benefits
Rotating crops improves soil health and reduces pest pressure. A good rotation can also spread out your labor and cash flow. Common rotations in Kansas include wheat-sorghum-fallow and corn-soybean.
Think about how each crop fits into your rotation. Legumes like soybeans and alfalfa fix nitrogen. Deep-rooted crops like sunflowers break up compacted soil. Cover crops can also be included.
Step-By-Step Guide To Starting A Cash Crop Farm In Kansas
If you are new to farming, here is a simple plan to get started. Follow these steps to set yourself up for success.
- Evaluate your land. Test your soil and check the climate data. Know your rainfall, frost dates, and growing season length.
- Choose your crops. Based on your land and market, pick 2 or 3 crops to start. Focus on crops you can manage well.
- Create a budget. Calculate your expected costs and income. Include a buffer for bad years. Make sure you have enough capital.
- Get equipment. You can buy new or used equipment. Consider leasing or custom hiring for specialized tasks. Start with basic machinery.
- Secure markets. Talk to buyers before you plant. Get contracts if possible. Know where you will sell your crop.
- Plant and manage. Follow best practices for planting, fertilizing, and pest control. Keep good records of everything you do.
- Harvest and store. Harvest at the right time to maximize quality. Store your crop properly to avoid spoilage.
- Sell and evaluate. Sell your crop when prices are good. Review your results and plan for next year. Adjust your strategy as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most profitable cash crop in Kansas?
Corn and soybeans are often the most profitable, but it depends on your location and input costs. Cotton and sunflowers can also be very profitable in the right conditions.
Can you grow vegetables as cash crops in Kansas?
Yes, but vegetables are more labor-intensive and require specialized markets. Tomatoes, sweet corn, and pumpkins can work for direct sales at farmers markets.
What is the best cash crop for dryland farming in western Kansas?
Wheat and sorghum are the best options for dryland farming in western Kansas. They are drought-tolerant and have lower input costs.
How much land do you need to make a living from cash crops in Kansas?
It varies widely. A typical farm might need 500 to 1,000 acres to generate a full-time income. But you can start smaller with high-value crops like sunflowers or dry beans.
Is organic farming profitable for cash crops in Kansas?
Organic crops can bring higher prices, but yields are often lower. The market is growing, but you need to be certified and find reliable buyers. It can be profitable with good management.
Final Thoughts On Choosing Cash Crops In Kansas
Kansas offers many opportunities for cash crop farming. The key is to match your crops to your land, climate, and market. Start with a few crops and expand as you gain experience.
Remember that farming is a long-term business. Some years will be good, some will be bad. Diversify your crops to spread risk. Keep learning and adapting to new conditions.
The best cash crops to grow in kansas are the ones that fit your farm and your goals. Take time to research, plan, and execute. With hard work and smart choices, you can build a successful farming operation.
Good luck with your planting season. The soil in Kansas is rich with potential, and the right crop choices can turn that potential into profit.