Virginia’s diverse geography, stretching from the coastal plain and Tidewater region to the mountainous Shenandoah Valley and Appalachian Plateaus, creates microclimates suitable for numerous agricultural products. This unique positioning allows the state’s farmers to cultivate a broad spectrum of crops, ranging from high-acreage commodity grains to specialty horticultural products. The variation in soil types and elevations supports a complex agricultural economy where no single crop dominates the farmlands.
Dominant Field Crops
Virginia’s crop production rests on large-scale commodity crops cultivated primarily for animal feed, processing, and bulk export. Corn and soybeans represent the largest acreage, serving as main components for the poultry and livestock industries in the Shenandoah Valley and Coastal Plain. Farmers use corn both for dried grain and for silage, which is fermented and used as winter forage for cattle.
Soybeans are a significant oilseed and protein source, often rotated with corn and winter wheat to improve soil health and nitrogen fixation. This rotation is common in eastern Virginia, amenable to large-scale mechanized farming. Winter wheat is planted in the fall and harvested early the following summer. The wheat is primarily soft red winter wheat, used mainly for pastries, crackers, and other baked goods.
Hay and other forage crops cover substantial acreage, particularly in western and central Virginia where livestock production is concentrated. Alfalfa and mixed grass hays are grown to feed the state’s large populations of beef cattle and horses. This production provides necessary bulk inputs. Hay alone generates substantial cash receipts, placing it among the top earning field crops.
Historically Significant and Regional Specialties
Certain crops define the state’s agricultural identity and are regionally specific, often commanding a higher market return per acre than standard grains. Tobacco, a crop with deep historical roots, remains a high-value specialty product with distinct regional concentrations. Flue-cured tobacco, cured using forced hot air, is primarily grown in the southern Piedmont region, centered in counties like Pittsylvania and Halifax.
Burley tobacco, an air-cured variety, is cultivated in the mountain regions of Southwest Virginia, where the soil and climate favor its growth. Small quantities of fire-cured and sun-cured types are also grown. Virginia consistently ranks high nationally in tobacco production value, reflecting the crop’s continuing financial importance despite reduced acreage over time.
The large-kerneled Virginia-type peanut is known for its size and is often roasted in the shell. Production is heavily concentrated in the light, sandy loam soils of the southeastern Tidewater region, with counties like Southampton and Isle of Wight being major producers. This regional focus supports a specialized industry for processing and packaging peanuts. Cotton is also grown as a specialty fiber crop in the southern tier, often in rotation with peanuts and corn.
High-Value Produce and Nursery Stock
The state’s agricultural profile includes intensive horticulture and produce grown for fresh consumption or aesthetic purposes. Virginia is a major producer of apples, with most commercial orchards located along the mountainous terrain of the northern Shenandoah Valley. Varieties like Red Delicious, Gala, and Fuji thrive in the region’s elevation, which provides the cool nights necessary for proper fruit color and flavor development. The apple industry supplies both the fresh market and a processing sector for products like applesauce and cider.
Grapes are another high-value fruit, supporting the state’s rapidly expanding wine industry, with vineyards scattered across the Piedmont and Blue Ridge regions. The diverse soil types and moderate climate allow for the cultivation of both Vitis vinifera and hybrid grape varieties. A variety of vegetables are also grown, including fresh market tomatoes, potatoes, and sweet corn, often concentrated in the Eastern Shore region near major East Coast markets.
The nursery and greenhouse sector represents a major agricultural commodity. This sector includes floriculture (flowering and foliage plants) and the cultivation of ornamental trees and shrubs for landscaping. Nursery stock requires intensive management but yields a high return per square foot or acre, contributing significantly to crop cash receipts.
The Statewide Economic Impact of Crop Production
Virginia’s crop sector generates substantial financial activity, with total cash receipts from crops reaching over $1.5 billion in recent years. This figure underscores the sector’s contribution to the state’s broader economic health. The varied mix of commodities supports the agricultural economy, ensuring that market fluctuations in one crop do not destabilize the entire industry.
The state maintains a national presence in several specialized crop markets. Virginia is ranked among the top five states nationally for the production value of tobacco, reflecting the high price point of its specialized leaf varieties. It also consistently ranks within the top ten for apple and peanut production, demonstrating a sustained competitive advantage.
The financial impact extends beyond raw commodities, encompassing value-added processing and related industries. The “Miscellaneous crops” category, including nursery, greenhouse, and specialized vegetable production, is a top-three earning commodity by cash receipts. This demonstrates the financial importance of intensive horticulture and supports a complex network of agricultural businesses.