Best Cash Crops To Grow In Nebraska

Nebraska’s vast plains and consistent rainfall make it a powerhouse for traditional commodity crops. If you are looking for the best cash crops to grow in Nebraska, you have come to the right place. This guide covers top options for profit, climate fit, and market demand.

Nebraska farmers have a unique advantage. The state sits in the heart of the Corn Belt. It also has access to the Ogallala Aquifer for irrigation. This means you can grow high-value crops with reliable yields.

But not every crop is a winner. Some require more water or specific soil types. Others have volatile prices. You need to choose crops that match your land, equipment, and risk tolerance.

Let’s break down the most profitable options. We will look at yield potential, input costs, and market trends. You will also get practical tips for each crop.

This section covers the top contenders. Each crop has proven itself in Nebraska’s climate. We rank them by profitability and ease of integration into typical rotations.

Corn

Corn is king in Nebraska. It is the most planted crop in the state. In 2023, Nebraska farmers planted over 9.5 million acres of corn. The state ranks third nationally in corn production.

Why corn works so well here:

Long growing season with hot summers
Access to irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer
Strong demand from ethanol plants and livestock feed
High yield potential, often 200+ bushels per acre

Corn requires significant inputs. You need nitrogen fertilizer, herbicides, and sometimes fungicides. But the return can be substantial. With current prices around $4.50 per bushel, a 200-bushel crop grosses $900 per acre.

One challenge is price volatility. Corn prices swing with global supply and demand. You can manage this with futures contracts or crop insurance.

Another factor is water use. Irrigated corn needs about 20-25 inches of water per season. In western Nebraska, this means pumping from the aquifer. That adds cost and regulatory scrutiny.

Soybeans

Soybeans are the second most common cash crop in Nebraska. They fit well in rotation with corn. Soybeans fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing fertilizer needs for the next corn crop.

Key advantages:

Lower input costs than corn
Strong export demand, especially to China
Good for no-till or reduced-till systems
Can be grown on a wider range of soil types

Soybean yields in Nebraska average around 55-60 bushels per acre. At $12 per bushel, that is $660-720 per acre gross revenue. Net profit depends on your cost structure.

Soybeans are less water-intensive than corn. They need about 15-20 inches of water per season. This makes them a good choice for dryland farming in eastern Nebraska.

One risk is disease pressure. Soybean cyst nematode and sudden death syndrome can cut yields. Choose resistant varieties and practice crop rotation.

Winter Wheat

Winter wheat is a reliable option for Nebraska, especially in the western part of the state. It is planted in the fall and harvested in early summer. This spreads out your labor and equipment use.

Benefits of winter wheat:

Double-cropping potential with soybeans or sorghum
Good for erosion control on sloping land
Stable demand from flour mills and livestock feed
Lower input costs than corn or soybeans

Yields vary widely. In dryland areas, 40-60 bushels per acre is common. Irrigated wheat can reach 80-100 bushels. Prices hover around $6-7 per bushel, so gross revenue is modest compared to corn.

Winter wheat is a good rotational crop. It breaks pest cycles and improves soil structure. Many farmers use it as a cover crop before planting soybeans.

The main drawback is lower profit potential. You need large acreage to make significant money. But it is a stable, low-risk option.

Sorghum

Sorghum is gaining popularity in Nebraska. It is drought-tolerant and requires less water than corn. This makes it ideal for dryland farming in the western and central regions.

Why consider sorghum:

Excellent heat and drought tolerance
Lower nitrogen requirements than corn
Good for livestock feed and ethanol production
Can be grown on marginal soils

Sorghum yields average 100-130 bushels per acre. Prices are similar to corn, around $4-5 per bushel. Gross revenue is lower, but input costs are also lower.

One challenge is market access. Sorghum is less widely traded than corn. You may need to find local buyers or contract with ethanol plants.

Another issue is bird damage. Sorghum heads are attractive to blackbirds. You may need to use deterrents or plant near cover crops.

Dry Edible Beans

Dry edible beans are a niche crop with high profit potential. Nebraska is a top producer, especially in the Panhandle region. Common varieties include pinto, great northern, and navy beans.

Key points:

High value per acre, often $800-1,200 gross revenue
Requires specialized equipment for planting and harvesting
Needs careful irrigation management to avoid disease
Strong demand from food processors

Dry beans need about 18-22 inches of water. They are sensitive to excess moisture, which can cause root rot. Good drainage is essential.

Yields range from 2,000 to 3,000 pounds per acre. Prices vary by variety but average $30-40 per hundredweight. This makes them one of the most profitable crops per acre.

The downside is market risk. Prices can fluctuate based on global supply. You also need to invest in specialized harvesters and storage.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are another high-value option for Nebraska. They are drought-tolerant and do well in the western part of the state. There are two main types: oilseed and confectionery.

Benefits:

Good for dryland farming
High oil content for biodiesel or cooking oil
Confectionery sunflowers sell for premium prices
Attract pollinators and beneficial insects

Oilseed sunflowers yield about 2,000-3,000 pounds per acre. Prices are around $18-22 per hundredweight. Confectionery sunflowers can fetch $25-35 per hundredweight.

Sunflowers require less fertilizer than corn. They also have deep root systems that improve soil structure. However, they are susceptible to bird damage and disease like sclerotinia.

Market access can be tricky. You may need to contract with a processor or sell at local grain elevators. But the profit potential is solid.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a perennial forage crop that can be highly profitable. Nebraska is a top hay producer, especially in the Platte River Valley. Alfalfa is used for dairy feed, horse hay, and export.

Key advantages:

Multiple cuttings per year (3-5 depending on location)
High protein content, commanding premium prices
Long stand life (3-5 years) reduces replanting costs
Excellent for soil health and nitrogen fixation

Yields range from 4 to 8 tons per acre. Prices vary widely, from $100 to $250 per ton. High-quality dairy hay can sell for $200+ per ton.

Alfalfa needs deep, well-drained soil. It also requires regular irrigation in drier areas. Stand establishment is critical; you need good seedbed preparation and weed control.

The main risk is weather. A wet spring can delay first cutting, reducing quality. Drought can cut yields significantly. But with proper management, alfalfa is a reliable cash crop.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a specialty crop with a dedicated market. Nebraska is a top popcorn producer, especially in the central and eastern regions. It requires similar inputs to field corn but sells for a premium.

Why popcorn works:

Higher price per bushel than field corn
Specialized contracts with processors
Good for rotation with soybeans
Lower yield but higher value

Popcorn yields average 3,000-5,000 pounds per acre. Prices range from $15 to $25 per hundredweight. Gross revenue can be $600-1,000 per acre.

Popcorn requires careful harvesting to avoid kernel damage. It also needs proper drying and storage to maintain popping quality. You may need to invest in specialized equipment.

Market access is limited. You need to contract with a popcorn company before planting. But the premium price makes it worth considering.

Proso Millet

Proso millet is a small grain that thrives in Nebraska’s dry climate. It is grown primarily in the western Panhandle. It is used for birdseed, livestock feed, and human consumption.

Benefits:

Extremely drought-tolerant
Short growing season (60-90 days)
Low input costs
Good for double-cropping after winter wheat

Yields average 1,500-2,500 pounds per acre. Prices are around $8-12 per hundredweight. Gross revenue is modest, but costs are low.

Proso millet is a good rotational crop for wheat. It breaks disease cycles and uses less water. It also provides a cash flow in dry years when other crops fail.

The main drawback is limited market. You need to find a buyer for birdseed or feed. But it is a reliable option for dryland farming.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Cash Crops

Selecting the right crop is not just about yield. You need to consider several factors. Here is a checklist to guide your decision.

Soil Type And Fertility

Nebraska has diverse soils. Eastern Nebraska has deep, fertile loess soils. Western areas have sandy or silty soils. Test your soil to know its pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels.

Corn and soybeans do best in fertile, well-drained soils
Wheat and sorghum tolerate poorer soils
Alfalfa needs deep, well-drained soils with neutral pH
Dry beans require sandy loam soils for good drainage

Water Availability

Irrigation is a major factor. Eastern Nebraska gets 30+ inches of rain annually. Western areas get less than 20 inches. If you have irrigation, you can grow high-value crops like corn and dry beans.

Without irrigation, choose drought-tolerant crops like sorghum, proso millet, or winter wheat. Sunflowers also do well in dry conditions.

Market Access

Some crops have strong local markets. Corn and soybeans are easy to sell at grain elevators. Specialty crops like popcorn or dry beans require contracts.

Research local buyers before planting. Talk to elevator managers, processors, and co-ops. Know the basis (local price difference from futures) for each crop.

Equipment And Labor

Different crops need different equipment. Corn and soybeans use the same planter and combine. Wheat and sorghum need a grain head. Dry beans require a specialized harvester.

Consider your existing equipment. Adding a new crop may require capital investment. Also factor in labor for planting, spraying, and harvesting.

Risk Management

Crop prices are volatile. Use futures, options, or crop insurance to manage risk. Diversify your crop mix to spread risk across different markets.

Also consider weather risk. Drought, hail, and floods can destroy a crop. Insurance is essential, especially for high-input crops like corn.

Rotation Strategies For Maximum Profit

Rotating crops improves soil health and reduces pest pressure. Here are common rotations in Nebraska.

Corn-Soybean Rotation

This is the most common rotation in eastern Nebraska. Corn follows soybeans, and vice versa. Benefits include nitrogen fixation from soybeans and reduced disease pressure.

Typical sequence:

Year 1: Corn
Year 2: Soybeans
Repeat

Wheat-Fallow Rotation

In western Nebraska, winter wheat is often grown in a wheat-fallow rotation. The field lies fallow for 14 months to store moisture. This reduces risk but also reduces total production.

Alternative: Wheat followed by proso millet or sorghum in a two-year rotation.

Corn-Soybean-Wheat Rotation

This three-year rotation adds wheat for diversity. Wheat provides straw for soil organic matter and breaks pest cycles. It also allows for double-cropping with soybeans in some areas.

Alfalfa Rotation

Alfalfa is a perennial that stays in the ground for 3-5 years. After alfalfa, plant corn or sorghum to benefit from nitrogen fixation. Alfalfa also improves soil structure.

Financial Considerations

Profitability depends on yield, price, and input costs. Here is a rough comparison of gross revenue per acre for common crops.

Crop	Average Yield	Price	Gross Revenue
Corn	200 bu	$4.50/bu	$900
Soybeans	55 bu	$12/bu	$660
Winter Wheat	50 bu	$6.50/bu	$325
Sorghum	120 bu	$4.50/bu	$540
Dry Beans	2,500 lb	$35/cwt	$875
Sunflowers	2,500 lb	$20/cwt	$500
Alfalfa	5 tons	$150/ton	$750

Note: These are estimates. Actual numbers vary by year and location. Subtract input costs to get net profit. Corn has high input costs, while wheat and sorghum are lower.

FAQ About Cash Crops In Nebraska

What is the most profitable cash crop in Nebraska?

Corn and dry edible beans often have the highest profit potential per acre. But profitability depends on yield, price, and input costs. Dry beans can gross $875 per acre, while corn can gross $900. However, corn has higher input costs.

Can you grow soybeans in western Nebraska?

Yes, but it is riskier. Western Nebraska has less rainfall. Soybeans need consistent moisture, especially during pod fill. Irrigation is essential for reliable yields. Dryland soybeans are possible in some areas but yields are lower.

What is the best cash crop for dryland farming in Nebraska?

Winter wheat, sorghum, and proso millet are top choices. They are drought-tolerant and require less water. Sunflowers also do well in dry conditions. These crops have lower yield potential but also lower input costs.

How do I choose between corn and sorghum?

Consider your water availability. Corn needs more water but has higher yield potential. Sorghum uses less water and is more drought-tolerant. If you have irrigation, corn is often more profitable. For dryland, sorghum is a safer bet.

Are specialty crops like popcorn or dry beans worth the extra effort?

Yes, if you have the right equipment and market access. Specialty crops often have higher prices per unit. But they require more management and specialized harvesters. Start small and contract with a buyer before scaling up.

Final Tips For Success

Start with a soil test. Know your soil’s nutrients and pH. This helps you choose the right crop and fertilizer program.

Use crop insurance. It protects against price drops and weather disasters. Most lenders require it for operating loans.

Diversify your crop mix. Don’t put all your acres in one crop. Spread risk across different markets and growing conditions.

Stay informed about market trends. Follow USDA reports, futures prices, and local basis. Adjust your planting decisions based on market signals.

Network with other farmers. Join local farm organizations or online forums. Learn from their experiences with different crops.

Consider value-added opportunities. For example, grow non-GMO corn for a