Farms and ranches are integral to Idaho’s economy, with agriculture making up 18% of Idaho’s total economic output. The state is ranked in the top 10 of the United States’ producers of more than 25 crops and livestock. Here are Idaho’s top five crops and how they impact the economy.
Potatoes
Potatoes are Idaho’s largest crop, with farmers producing more than 100 million hundredweight of potatoes (more than 11 billion pounds) annually and one-third of the nation’s potatoes. Idaho grows more than 30 varieties of potatoes, including Fingerlings, Yukon Golds and Reds. In 2022, Idaho revenues from potato sales were an estimated $1.3 billion.
Hay
Hay outgrew wheat in 2022, becoming Idaho’s No. 2 crop with estimated cash receipts of $725 million. Hay from Idaho is known for being high-protein and marketable for dairy and horse feed. Idaho is No. 1 in the United States for organic hay production and No. 2 for alfalfa hay.
Wheat
Wheat ranked as Idaho’s third largest crop in 2022 with an estimated $706 million in cash receipts. It is one of Idaho’s top export products, with half of the wheat produced in Idaho sold to foreign markets. Although Idaho can grow all five classes of wheat, soft white wheat makes up more than half of the wheat grown in Idaho.
Sugar beets
Sugar beets came in as Idaho’s fourth largest crop in 2022, with an estimated $385 million in cash receipts. Idaho has more than 850 sugar beet farmers who harvest more than 6 million tons each year. Idaho is also the second-biggest producer of sugar beets in the United States after Minnesota.
Barley
Ranking as Idaho’s fifth largest crop, Barley brought in $357 million in cash receipts in 2022. Idaho produces both malting and feeding varieties of barley, but more than 75% of all barley production in Idaho is malt.
Idaho is home to 25,000 ranches and farms that produce more than 185 commodities, including other notable crops like mint, fruit, beans, peas, lentils and onions, all crucial to Idaho’s economy. Protecting your assets, including your farm and crops, is paramount. To learn more about getting the right insurance for your farm, contact your local FBMICI agent.
Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts.
Sources
Idaho State Department of Agriculture
AG Proud Idaho
