Wisconsin’s fertile soils and cooler climate support profitable cash crops including soybeans, corn, and winter wheat. If you’re looking for the best cash crops to grow in wisconsin, you need to consider both market demand and local growing conditions. This guide breaks down the top options, from traditional row crops to emerging specialty markets, helping you make smart planting decisions.
Wisconsin farmers have a unique advantage with its long summer days and rich glacial soils. The state’s agricultural economy thrives on diversity, so you don’t have to stick with just one crop. Let’s explore what works best for your land and your bottom line.
Best Cash Crops To Grow In Wisconsin
When evaluating crops for Wisconsin, think about your soil type, equipment, and local buyers. Some crops require specialized harvesters, while others need minimal investment. Here are the most reliable and profitable options.
Corn For Grain
Corn is the king of Wisconsin cash crops. It covers over 4 million acres statewide. You can sell it for livestock feed, ethanol production, or industrial uses.
- Average yield: 170-200 bushels per acre
- Profit potential: $600-$900 per acre before costs
- Best soil: Well-drained loams in southern and central Wisconsin
- Planting window: Late April to mid-May
Corn requires significant inputs like nitrogen fertilizer and pest control. But it offers reliable returns if you manage it well. Consider using Bt hybrids to reduce insect pressure.
Soybeans
Soybeans are the second most planted crop in Wisconsin. They fix nitrogen in the soil, making them an excellent rotation partner with corn. Demand stays strong for both domestic crushing and export markets.
- Average yield: 50-60 bushels per acre
- Profit potential: $400-$700 per acre
- Best soil: Well-drained silt loams
- Planting window: Early May to early June
You can plant soybeans no-till to save fuel and reduce erosion. Choose varieties with good white mold resistance, as this disease is common in Wisconsin’s humid summers.
Winter Wheat
Winter wheat gives you a double benefit: a cash crop plus a cover crop. It protects soil over winter and provides straw for bedding or mulch. Harvest comes in July, freeing up time for fall fieldwork.
- Average yield: 70-90 bushels per acre
- Profit potential: $300-$500 per acre
- Best soil: Well-drained clay loams
- Planting window: Mid-September to early October
Winter wheat works well after soybeans. You can double-crop it with soybeans in southern Wisconsin if you plant early enough. Be aware of wheat streak mosaic virus and choose resistant varieties.
Alfalfa Hay
Alfalfa is a high-protein forage crop that dairy farmers in Wisconsin rely on. It can produce three to four cuttings per season. The demand for quality hay is steady, especially from the state’s large dairy industry.
- Average yield: 4-6 tons per acre
- Profit potential: $500-$1,000 per acre
- Best soil: Deep, well-drained loams with neutral pH
- Planting window: Late April to early May
Alfalfa requires good drainage and proper fertility. You need to test soil pH and apply lime if needed. It can last three to five years before needing rotation.
Potatoes
Wisconsin ranks third in the US for potato production. The central sands region is ideal for growing potatoes. They require specialized equipment but offer high returns per acre.
- Average yield: 400-500 hundredweight per acre
- Profit potential: $1,500-$3,000 per acre
- Best soil: Sandy loams with irrigation
- Planting window: Late April to early May
Potatoes need careful pest management, especially for Colorado potato beetle and late blight. You’ll need a contract with a processor or fresh market buyer before planting.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a unique Wisconsin specialty crop. The state produces over half of the US crop. They grow in acidic bogs and require significant upfront investment.
- Average yield: 200-300 barrels per acre
- Profit potential: $5,000-$10,000 per acre
- Best soil: Sandy, acidic peat soils
- Planting window: Spring or fall
Cranberries are a long-term investment. It takes three to five years for a new bed to reach full production. You need access to water for flooding and frost protection.
Ginseng
Wisconsin is the leading US producer of American ginseng. This high-value crop grows under shade structures in central Wisconsin. It requires four years from planting to harvest.
- Average yield: 1,500-2,500 pounds per acre
- Profit potential: $20,000-$40,000 per acre
- Best soil: Well-drained sandy loams
- Planting window: Fall or early spring
Ginseng needs intensive management for diseases like alternaria blight. You must have shade cloth and irrigation. Most growers sell to Asian export markets through brokers.
Industrial Hemp
Hemp is a newer crop in Wisconsin, legalized in 2018. You can grow it for fiber, grain, or CBD extraction. The market is still developing, so research buyers before planting.
- Average yield: 1,000-2,000 pounds of grain per acre
- Profit potential: $500-$2,000 per acre
- Best soil: Well-drained loams
- Planting window: Late May to early June
Hemp requires a license from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture. You must test THC levels to stay below 0.3%. Fiber varieties are lower risk than CBD types.
Dry Beans
Dry beans like kidney, navy, and pinto beans grow well in Wisconsin. They are a niche crop with good profit potential. You need a combine with special settings to avoid cracking the beans.
- Average yield: 1,500-2,500 pounds per acre
- Profit potential: $600-$1,200 per acre
- Best soil: Sandy loams in central and northern Wisconsin
- Planting window: Late May to early June
Dry beans are sensitive to herbicide carryover. Rotate with corn or wheat to reduce disease pressure. You’ll need to find a processor or direct buyer.
Oats
Oats are a cool-season grain that fits well in Wisconsin rotations. They mature quickly and can be used for livestock feed or human consumption. Oats are lower input than corn.
- Average yield: 80-120 bushels per acre
- Profit potential: $200-$400 per acre
- Best soil: Well-drained loams
- Planting window: Late March to mid-April
Oats can be planted as a nurse crop for alfalfa. They suppress weeds and provide some income while the alfalfa establishes. Harvest comes in July.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Cash Crops
Your farm’s specific conditions determine which crops will be most profitable. Here are key factors to evaluate.
Soil Type And Drainage
Wisconsin has diverse soils from sandy loams in the central sands to clay loams in the south. Corn and soybeans prefer well-drained soils. Potatoes need sandy soils with irrigation. Alfalfa requires deep, fertile loams with good drainage.
Test your soil every three years. Know your pH, organic matter, and nutrient levels. Some crops like ginseng need very specific soil conditions.
Climate And Growing Season
Wisconsin’s growing season ranges from 120 days in the north to 160 days in the south. Corn needs a longer season, so choose short-season hybrids for northern counties. Winter wheat survives cold winters with good snow cover.
Frost dates matter. The last spring frost typically occurs in early May in southern Wisconsin and late May in the north. First fall frost comes in September in the north and October in the south.
Market Access
You need buyers for your crops. Corn and soybeans have strong local markets through elevators and ethanol plants. Specialty crops like ginseng and cranberries require established marketing channels.
Consider joining a cooperative or contracting with processors. Some crops like industrial hemp have volatile markets, so start small.
Equipment And Labor
Corn and soybeans use standard equipment like planters and combines. Potatoes and cranberries need specialized harvesters. Ginseng requires hand labor for planting and harvesting.
Think about your existing equipment and whether you can afford new machinery. Custom hiring some operations may be cheaper than buying.
Risk Management
Every crop has risks from weather, pests, and price fluctuations. Corn and soybeans have federal crop insurance available. Specialty crops may have limited insurance options.
Diversify your crop mix to spread risk. Rotate crops to reduce disease and pest pressure. Use forward contracts to lock in prices.
Step-By-Step Guide To Starting A Cash Crop
Follow these steps to add a new cash crop to your farm.
- Research market demand and find potential buyers before planting.
- Test your soil and amend it to meet the crop’s requirements.
- Select high-quality seed or planting stock from reputable suppliers.
- Prepare your field with proper tillage or no-till methods.
- Plant at the recommended depth and spacing for your region.
- Apply fertilizer and pest control based on soil tests and scouting.
- Monitor crop growth and address issues like weeds or diseases quickly.
- Harvest at the right maturity to maximize yield and quality.
- Store or sell your crop promptly to avoid spoilage.
- Keep records of inputs, yields, and profits to improve next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most profitable cash crop in Wisconsin?
Ginseng and cranberries offer the highest profit per acre, but they require significant investment and specialized knowledge. For most farmers, corn and soybeans provide reliable returns with lower risk.
Can you grow cash crops on small acreage in Wisconsin?
Yes, you can grow high-value crops like ginseng, hemp, or specialty vegetables on small plots. These crops require more labor per acre but can generate good income on 5-10 acres.
What are the best cash crops for beginners in Wisconsin?
Soybeans and oats are good starting points because they require less input and management than corn or potatoes. Winter wheat is also beginner-friendly and provides soil benefits.
How do I find buyers for cash crops in Wisconsin?
Contact local grain elevators, feed mills, and food processors. Join the Wisconsin Farm Bureau or attend agricultural trade shows. Online platforms like Farmers Business Network can also connect you with buyers.
What cash crops grow well in northern Wisconsin?
Short-season corn hybrids, soybeans, oats, and winter wheat perform well in northern Wisconsin. Potatoes and ginseng thrive in the central sands region. Cranberries are grown mainly in the central and northern parts of the state.
Final Thoughts On Wisconsin Cash Crops
Choosing the best cash crops to grow in wisconsin depends on your land, resources, and goals. Start with crops you know and gradually add new ones as you gain experience. The state’s agricultural diversity gives you many options to build a profitable farming operation.
Remember to rotate crops to maintain soil health and reduce pest pressure. Keep learning from extension services, other farmers, and market reports. With careful planning, you can turn Wisconsin’s fertile soils into a reliable income stream.