Oklahoma is a significant agricultural state located in the Great Plains, serving as a transitional area between the humid eastern U.S. and the arid western plains. This position creates a diverse environment that supports a wide range of crops. Agriculture is a foundational pillar of the state’s economy, covering millions of acres and contributing billions of dollars. The variety of cultivated plants reflects the diverse climate and geography found across Oklahoma’s distinct regions.
Oklahoma’s Leading Commodities: Wheat and Hay
The state’s agricultural identity is closely linked to winter wheat, a major commodity planted in the fall and harvested the following spring. Oklahoma consistently ranks among the top producers nationally, with annual production often exceeding 100 million bushels. This hard red winter wheat is primarily grown in the Panhandle and western regions, where the climate provides the necessary cold period for vernalization. The grain is used for milling into flour for baked goods and as a high-protein component in livestock feed.
Hay is another leading crop, measured by both acreage and value, supporting the state’s large livestock industry. Oklahoma’s hay production often ranks second nationally, yielding several million tons annually. This forage is grown widely across the state, with popular varieties including alfalfa, native grasses, and bermudagrass. Hay is often cultivated on rolling or sloping land where tilling for row crops would increase the risk of soil erosion. Its consistent demand as feed for beef cattle makes it a crucial part of the agricultural economy.
Principal Row Crops: Cotton, Corn, and Soybeans
Cotton is a major field crop that has seen a significant revival in recent years due to improved varieties and technology. Cultivation is concentrated in the southwest, particularly in counties like Tillman and Jackson, where the growing season is long and irrigation is often available. The harvest yields hundreds of thousands of bales annually. The fiber is used for textiles, and the cottonseed provides oil and livestock feed, making it a major national contributor.
Corn and soybeans are critical row crops primarily grown to supply the animal agriculture and energy sectors. Corn production, which can exceed 50 million bushels annually, is largely devoted to livestock feed and ethanol creation for biofuel. Soybeans are cultivated for their protein-rich meal and valuable oil, often covering hundreds of thousands of acres. These crops are most prevalent in the central and eastern parts of the state, where rainfall is more dependable and water sources allow for supplemental irrigation.
Specialty Crops and Horticultural Production
Oklahoma is a producer of specialty crops, which are intensively managed alternatives to large-scale commodities. The most prominent is the pecan, the only major nut crop native to North America and an official component of the state meal. Oklahoma consistently ranks high in native pecan production, harvesting millions of pounds annually from managed groves and wild trees. These trees prefer deep, well-drained loamy soils often found along river bottoms.
Other specialty crops contribute significantly to regional economies and local food systems. Peanuts are grown in sandy soils, mainly in the southwestern and central counties, providing a valuable source of food and oil. Various horticultural products, including peaches, blackberries, vegetables, and melons, are cultivated for fresh consumption and local processing. These items are often sold directly to consumers at farmers’ markets or through local food cooperatives.
Regional Climate and Soil Factors
The state’s agricultural productivity is determined by a pronounced east-to-west gradient in climate and soil composition. Western Oklahoma, including the Panhandle, is characterized by arid, short-grass prairie conditions, receiving less than 20 inches of annual precipitation. The soils are dry, coarser textured, and high in mineral nutrients. This environment favors the drought tolerance and deep root systems of winter wheat and rangeland grasses.
Conversely, Eastern Oklahoma is significantly wetter, with some areas receiving over 50 inches of rain per year, supporting a longer growing season. The soils in the east are more acidic, finer-textured, and better suited for water-intensive crops like corn, soybeans, and hay. The transition zone between these two extremes, marked by the central Cross Timbers region, dictates the suitability and distribution of crops. Water-efficient crops dominate the west, while more diverse, moisture-dependent agriculture thrives in the east.