Wyoming’s agricultural sector generates approximately $2.2 billion in annual cash receipts. Given the state’s predominantly arid and high-altitude landscape, the challenging environment means the agricultural focus differs from that of wetter, lower-elevation regions. Despite these constraints, agriculture remains one of Wyoming’s top three industries, alongside minerals and tourism.
Primary Forage and Feed Crops
The vast majority of Wyoming’s cultivated land supports its large livestock industry, particularly cattle and sheep. Hay is the leading crop in terms of acreage and production value, functioning as the primary winter feed source. Alfalfa is especially prized for its high protein content and feed value.
Alfalfa often achieves three cuttings annually in irrigated areas. The state’s unique growing conditions—including high altitude, cool evenings, and warm, sunny days—are thought to maximize the hay’s nutrient density. Ranchers also rely on feed grains grown locally to minimize the costs associated with transporting bulky feedstuffs.
Feed barley and corn are grown specifically for animal consumption, either as grain or as corn silage. Wyoming is a top-ranked state in national barley production, with the grain used as a direct feed supplement for livestock. Corn silage provides a high-energy feed source for cattle operations. Local production of these crops helps integrate the state’s beef and dairy supply chains.
Major Commercial and Processing Crops
Beyond the feed market, a substantial portion of Wyoming’s farming focuses on crops destined for commercial processing or direct human consumption. These specialized crops are typically grown under contract and require specific environmental or infrastructure support. Sugar beets are a major cash crop, often ranking among the top ten producing states nationally.
Sugar beets are grown in fertile river bottoms, such as the Big Horn Basin and the North Platte River Valley, relying heavily on irrigation. Their production is tied to the presence of local processing facilities. Dry edible beans, including pinto and navy bean varieties, are another regionally focused commercial crop.
Wyoming ranks high nationally in dry bean production, with the Big Horn Basin providing a favorable low-humidity environment. Wheat is also cultivated, primarily as dryland winter wheat in the High Plains region. This grain is milled into flour for the broader food industry.
Geographic and Climatic Influences on Production
The combination of the state’s geography and climate dictates the crops that can be successfully cultivated. Wyoming has the second-highest mean elevation in the United States, resulting in a high-altitude, semi-arid environment. The average annual precipitation is low, often less than 15 inches across the state, with some lower-elevation basins receiving desert-like levels of moisture.
This lack of natural rainfall means agriculture is dependent on irrigation, with farming concentrated in river valleys like the North Platte where water resources are available. The high elevation also imposes a short growing season, which can range from 60 to 140 frost-free days. This constraint limits the viability of many common US crops that require extended warm periods.
The cold winters and risk of late-spring and early-fall frosts favor hardy, high-value crops that mature quickly or can withstand cool temperatures. The arid conditions, however, contribute to the high quality of certain crops, such as the nutrient density found in locally grown hay. Farmers adapt by selecting specialized, short-season crop varieties and implementing sophisticated water management techniques.