Let’s Explore: Crops Grown In Idaho

PLANT YOUR ROOTS IN IDAHO’S DIVERSIFIED AGRIBUSINESS SECTOR 

Idaho’s agricultural industry is flourishing. In fact, agribusiness is the single largest contributor to Idaho’s economy, accounting for 20% of Idaho’s gross state product each year. Idaho’s 25,000 farms and ranches produce more than 185 different commodities, and is ranked in the top 10 in the U.S. for production of more than 25 crops and livestock.

Let’s explore a few crops grown in Idaho:

Potatoes

Idaho leads the nation in potato production –  Russet is the most well-known of the Famous Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Farmers grow more than 30 varieties, including Yukon Golds, Reds, and Fingerlings.

Wheat

Wheat is a very important and historic crop in Idaho. Nearly half of all Idaho wheat is sold to foreign markets, making it one of our top export products. In terms of revenue generated, wheat has consistently ranked as Idaho’s second largest crop behind potatoes.

Barley

Idaho is a top barley-producing state, growing both malting and feed varieties. More than 75% of total barley production is malt. A consistent supply of top-quality malting barley has attracted companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, InteGrow Malt, and Great Western Malting to locate in Idaho.

Hay

Idaho ranks first in the U.S. for production of certified organic hay, and is the second largest U.S. producer of alfalfa hay. Major alfalfa seed companies have facilities in Idaho and develop superior genetics tailored to Idaho’s climate.

Sugarbeets

Idaho ranks second nationally in the production of sugarbeets. Sugarbeets are grown primarily in irrigated areas of the Snake River Valley in southern Idaho and refined at plants in Paul, Twin Falls, and Nampa. These plants produce granulated sugar, powdered sugar, liquid sucrose, brown sugar, and betaine. The Paul, Idaho plant is the largest sugarbeet factory in the U.S.

Seed

Idaho seeds are ranked the best in the world, and are shipped to more than 120 countries and every continent except Antarctica. Idaho is the leading supplier of seeds for vegetables like carrot, onion, turnip, and lettuce, as well as for alfalfa and Kentucky bluegrass. World-class seed companies operate in the Treasure Valley.

Onions

Idaho’s Treasure Valley along with Malheur County, Oregon together produce more than 25% of the nation’s yellow onions. The Idaho-Eastern Oregon production area is the only storage onion region in the U.S. governed by a federal marketing order (#958). The Federal Inspection Service conducts daily inspections to certify the onions meet grade.

Oh wait! Let’s not forget about Wine

The Snake River American Viticultural Area (AVA) earned federal designation in 2007.  Idaho’s wine industry has exploded in the past decade, growing from 11 wineries in 2002 to more than 50 today. The Snake River AVA encompasses 8,000 square miles. Common varieties include Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Our long summer days and well-drained soils are key ingredients for growing grapes with exceptional, fruit-forward flavor and good structure. Sunset magazine, heralded Idaho as “a wine region that has arrived.”

How does Idaho do it? Idaho’s perfect climate, cutting edge technology, extensive irrigation systems, transportation networks, and most important—skilled and hard-working people. That’s the bounty of Idaho.

SOURCE | READ MORE: bit.ly/IdahoCrops

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