Utah’s arid climate demands crops that thrive on minimal water while still turning a solid profit. If you’re looking for the best cash crops to grow in utah, you need species that handle high altitude, cold nights, and low rainfall. This guide walks you through the top options, step by step.
Farming in Utah isn’t easy, but it can be very rewarding. The key is picking crops that match your land and market. Let’s break down the most profitable choices.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Utah
These crops have proven track records in Utah’s unique growing conditions. They offer good returns and fit the local climate.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is the king of Utah cash crops. It’s a legume that fixes nitrogen in the soil, reducing fertilizer costs. The dry climate produces high-quality hay with low mold risk.
- Requires 18-24 inches of water per season
- Can yield 4-6 tons per acre
- Prices range from $150 to $250 per ton
- Grows well in alkaline soils common in Utah
Alfalfa hay is sold to dairy farms, horse owners, and feedlots. The Wasatch Front and Cache Valley are prime growing areas. You can get 3-4 cuttings per year with proper irrigation.
Hard Red Winter Wheat
Wheat is a staple crop that handles Utah’s cold winters. Plant it in fall, it goes dormant, then grows in spring. This crop needs less water than corn or alfalfa.
- Choose varieties like ‘Utah 100’ or ‘Promontory’
- Plant in September or October
- Apply 80-120 pounds of nitrogen per acre
- Harvest in July or August
Wheat prices fluctuate, but you can expect $5-7 per bushel. Yields average 80-120 bushels per acre. The straw can also be sold for bedding or erosion control.
Safflower
Safflower is a drought-tolerant oilseed crop. It has deep taproots that access water other plants can’t reach. The flowers produce oil for cooking and birdseed.
- Needs only 12-16 inches of water
- Yields 1,500-2,500 pounds per acre
- Oil content around 35-40%
- Resistant to deer and rabbit damage
Safflower thrives in Utah’s hot summers. It’s planted in April or May and harvested in September. The crop is low-maintenance and requires minimal pesticide use.
Potatoes
Utah’s volcanic soils in areas like Box Elder County produce excellent potatoes. The cool nights help develop high starch content. Russet and red varieties do well here.
- Plant in April after frost danger passes
- Need 1-2 inches of water per week
- Yields 300-400 hundredweight per acre
- Storage life of 6-8 months
Potatoes require more labor but offer high returns per acre. You can sell to grocery chains, restaurants, or directly at farmers markets. The key is managing irrigation to prevent scab disease.
Dry Beans
Dry beans like pinto, kidney, and black beans grow well in Utah. They need warm soil and moderate water. The dry climate reduces disease pressure.
- Plant in late May or early June
- Space rows 22-30 inches apart
- Apply 40-60 pounds of nitrogen
- Harvest in September when pods are dry
Dry beans fetch $30-50 per hundredweight. Yields range from 2,000-3,000 pounds per acre. They fix nitrogen, improving soil for following crops.
Corn For Grain
Field corn is a high-yield cash crop in Utah. It needs more water than wheat but less than alfalfa. Choose short-season varieties that mature before frost.
- Select hybrids with 95-105 day maturity
- Plant in May when soil reaches 50°F
- Apply 150-200 pounds of nitrogen
- Harvest in October at 15-20% moisture
Corn yields average 150-200 bushels per acre. Prices vary from $3.50 to $5.50 per bushel. The crop can be sold for animal feed, ethanol, or exported.
Barley
Barley is a versatile grain for Utah farmers. It’s used for animal feed, malting, and human consumption. The crop matures faster than wheat, reducing water needs.
- Requires 14-18 inches of water
- Yields 80-120 bushels per acre
- Plant in early spring or fall
- Harvest in July or August
Malting barley commands premium prices, often $6-8 per bushel. You’ll need to meet quality standards for sprouting and protein content. Feed barley sells for less but is easier to grow.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are drought-tolerant and grow well in Utah’s alkaline soils. They produce seeds for oil, birdseed, or snack foods. The bright flowers also attract pollinators.
- Plant in May after soil warms
- Space seeds 6-8 inches apart
- Need 12-16 inches of water
- Yields 1,500-2,500 pounds per acre
Oilseed sunflowers sell for $15-20 per hundredweight. Confectionary varieties for human consumption fetch higher prices. Birds can be a problem, so consider netting or scare devices.
Mint
Peppermint and spearmint are high-value crops in Utah. The dry climate concentrates essential oils. Mint is a perennial that comes back year after year.
- Plant root divisions in spring
- Need consistent moisture, 18-24 inches
- Harvest once or twice per year
- Oil yields 50-100 pounds per acre
Mint oil sells for $15-30 per pound. The crop requires specialized harvesting equipment. But the profit potential is significant for small to medium farms.
Onions
Utah’s long, sunny days produce sweet, high-quality onions. The state is known for Spanish and yellow varieties. Onions need well-drained soil and careful irrigation.
- Plant sets or transplants in April
- Space 4-6 inches apart in rows
- Need 1-2 inches of water per week
- Harvest in August or September
Onion yields average 40,000-60,000 pounds per acre. Prices range from $8-15 per hundredweight. Storage onions can be held for months, allowing you to sell when prices are high.
How To Choose The Right Cash Crop For Your Utah Farm
Selecting the best crop depends on several factors. Consider your soil type, water availability, and market access. Here’s a step-by-step process.
Step 1: Test Your Soil
Get a soil test from Utah State University Extension. They check pH, nutrients, and organic matter. Most Utah soils are alkaline with pH 7.5-8.5.
- Test for salinity, which can be high in some areas
- Check for micronutrients like zinc and iron
- Adjust pH with sulfur if needed
Step 2: Evaluate Water Rights
Water is the biggest limiting factor in Utah. Check your water allocation and delivery schedule. Some crops need more water than others.
- Alfalfa and corn need 18-24 inches
- Wheat and barley need 14-18 inches
- Safflower and sunflowers need 12-16 inches
Step 3: Research Markets
Find buyers before you plant. Talk to local feed mills, grain elevators, and processors. Farmers markets and CSAs work for smaller crops.
- Dairy farms need alfalfa and corn silage
- Breweries want malting barley
- Health food stores buy dry beans and grains
Step 4: Consider Rotation
Rotating crops prevents disease and improves soil. Alternate deep-rooted and shallow-rooted plants. Include legumes to fix nitrogen.
- Alfalfa followed by wheat or corn
- Potatoes followed by dry beans
- Barley followed by safflower
Irrigation Strategies For Utah Cash Crops
Efficient irrigation is critical in Utah. Drip irrigation saves water but costs more. Flood irrigation is cheaper but less efficient. Sprinklers work well for many crops.
Drip Irrigation
Drip systems deliver water directly to plant roots. They reduce evaporation and weed growth. Best for high-value crops like mint and onions.
- Use 8-12 mil tape for durability
- Space emitters 12-18 inches apart
- Install filters to prevent clogging
- Automate with timers for consistency
Sprinkler Systems
Center pivot and wheel line sprinklers are common in Utah. They cover large areas quickly. Suitable for alfalfa, wheat, and corn.
- Apply 0.5-1 inch per irrigation
- Avoid watering during windy periods
- Check for uniform coverage
- Maintain nozzles to prevent waste
Flood Irrigation
Flood irrigation uses gravity to move water across fields. It’s low-tech but can waste water. Works best on level ground with heavy soil.
- Use gated pipe for control
- Irrigate every 7-14 days
- Monitor runoff to prevent erosion
- Consider laser leveling for efficiency
Pest And Disease Management
Utah’s dry climate reduces many pest problems. But some issues still arise. Monitor fields regularly and act quickly.
Common Pests
- Alfalfa weevil – use early cutting or insecticide
- Aphids on wheat and barley – beneficial insects help
- Wireworms in potatoes – rotate crops and use bait
- Birds on sunflowers – use netting or noise makers
Disease Prevention
- Plant resistant varieties when available
- Avoid overhead irrigation on susceptible crops
- Remove crop residue to reduce inoculum
- Rotate crops to break disease cycles
Harvesting And Storage Tips
Proper harvest timing maximizes quality and profit. Store crops correctly to maintain value. Here are key points for each crop.
Grain Crops
Harvest wheat, barley, and corn at the right moisture. Use a combine with proper settings. Store in clean, dry bins with aeration.
- Wheat at 13-14% moisture
- Barley at 12-13% for malting
- Corn at 15-20% moisture
- Dry beans at 15-18% moisture
Hay Crops
Cut alfalfa at early bloom for best quality. Cure to 15-18% moisture before baling. Store in barns or cover with tarps.
- First cutting in late May
- Subsequent cuttings every 28-35 days
- Use preservatives if baling at higher moisture
- Test hay for protein and energy content
Root Crops
Harvest potatoes and onions when fully mature. Cure them before storage. Keep in cool, dark, humid conditions.
- Potatoes at 45-50°F and 90% humidity
- Onions at 32-40°F and 65% humidity
- Remove damaged tubers or bulbs
- Check regularly for rot or sprouting
Financial Considerations
Cash crop farming requires upfront investment. Calculate costs and potential returns carefully. Use these estimates as a starting point.
Startup Costs Per Acre
- Seed: $50-200 depending on crop
- Fertilizer: $100-300
- Irrigation: $200-1,000 for system installation
- Fuel and labor: $100-300
- Pest control: $20-100
Potential Returns Per Acre
- Alfalfa hay: $600-1,500
- Wheat: $400-700
- Potatoes: $2,000-4,000
- Dry beans: $600-1,200
- Mint oil: $750-3,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Most Profitable Cash Crop In Utah?
Alfalfa hay is often the most profitable due to high demand from dairy farms. Potatoes and mint also offer strong returns per acre.
Can You Grow Cash Crops In Utah Without Irrigation?
Dryland farming is possible in some areas with 12-16 inches of annual rainfall. Wheat, barley, and safflower are best for dryland conditions.
What Cash Crops Grow Best In Utah’s High Altitude?
Hardy crops like alfalfa, wheat, and barley perform well at higher elevations. Potatoes also thrive in cooler mountain valleys.
How Do I Start A Cash Crop Farm In Utah?
Start by testing your soil, securing water rights, and researching markets. Contact Utah State University Extension for local advice and resources.
What Are The Best Cash Crops For Small Farms In Utah?
Small farms do well with high-value crops like mint, sunflowers, or specialty potatoes. Direct sales at farmers markets can increase profits.
Growing cash crops in Utah takes planning and hard work. But with the right choices, you can build a profitable farming operation. Start with one or two crops, learn the local conditions, and expand as you gain experience. The state’s unique climate offers opportunities for those who adapt wisely.