Idaho’s Crops: Production and Economic Impact

Idaho, often known for its scenic landscapes and vast wilderness, is also a hub of agricultural production in the United States. In our first article of the agriculture series, Agriculture in Idaho: An Overview, we talked about how agriculture is a cornerstone of Idaho’s economy, contributing significantly to the state’s GDP. According to the Idaho Farm Bureau Federation, the value of Idaho agriculture production totalled $11 billion in 2023. The state’s fertile soils, and diverse climate make it ideal for cultivating a variety of crops. While Idaho is famously associated with potatoes, it also produces a range of other important crops. This includes wheat, barley, and sugar beets, each playing a crucial role in the agricultural economy. Let’s have a look at important crops in Idaho and their economic impact.

Potatoes:

Idaho is synonymous with potatoes, producing nearly one-third of the nation’s supply. The state’s fertile soils and cool climate provide the perfect conditions for growing high-quality potatoes. These potatoes not only meet the nation’s needs but also contribute to the country’s exports. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that Idaho produced 143 million cwt of potatoes in 2023 – around 30% of the US total potato production. Economically, this potato production in 2023 contributed over $1.38 billion to Idaho’s economy, supporting thousands of agricultural jobs, the processing sector, agricultural business, and distribution. Varieties like Russet and Yukon Gold dominate the fields and make Idaho the unrivalled potato capital of the United States.

Hay & Haylage:

Hay and haylage are the second most highly produced crops in Idaho, primarily supporting the state’s robust livestock and dairy industries. Farmers produce high-quality alfalfa and grass hay, which serve as essential feed for cattle, sheep, and other livestock. In 2023, Idaho produced 12,274,000 tons of Hay & Haylage, contributing around $2.58 billion to Idaho and the US. Economy.

Wheat:

Wheat is another vital crop grown in Idaho. According to the latest stats by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Idaho’s farmers harvested more than 178 million bushels of wheat in 2023. This crop contributes around $1.28 billion to Idaho’s economy. With its versatility in baking, pasta production, and other food industries, wheat remains a critical component of Idaho’s agricultural success.

Barley:

Idaho is the leading barley-producing state in the nation, supplying high-quality barley to breweries worldwide. The crop thrives in Idaho’s moderate climate and is primarily grown in southern and eastern regions. Barley production contributed about $484 million to the state’s economy in 2023, with more than 60 million bushels produced in that year. In addition to brewing, barley is also used for livestock feed and health-conscious food products.

Sugar Beets:

Sugar beets are another significant crop in Idaho, with most of the production concentrated in the Snake River Valley. The state’s sugar beet farmers produced approximately 7 million tons in 2023, further processed into sugar and other by-products. The financial numbers for this 2023 production are not available. However, Idaho’s sugar beet production helps meet the nation’s demand for domestic sugar and reduces reliance on imports.

Other Crops

While potatoes, wheat, barley, and sugar beets dominate Idaho’s agriculture, the state also produces other crops such as hay, corn, dry beans, and hops. These less prominent crops collectively contributed approximately $2.46 billion to Idaho’s agricultural economics in 2023. They provide essential inputs for livestock feed, brewing, and specialty markets, further diversifying the state’s agricultural output.

Conclusion:

Idaho’s agricultural products and processing industry is a vibrant and essential part of the state’s identity and economy. From its globally known potatoes to vital crops like wheat, barley, and sugar beets, Idaho’s agricultural development plays a significant role in feeding the nation and supporting global industries. The combined efforts of its farmers and favorable natural conditions ensure that Idaho remains a leader in agricultural excellence. As the state continues to innovate and adapt, its agricultural legacy will undoubtedly grow for generations to come.