Alabama has a long tradition of agricultural production that drives a substantial portion of the state’s economy. The diverse climate, ranging from the Appalachian foothills to the coastal plain, provides an ideal environment for a wide array of crops and livestock. This geography and long growing season allow for the cultivation of large-scale commodity crops and high-value specialty goods. The combined output of agriculture and forestry contributes tens of billions of dollars annually, supporting a significant percentage of the workforce.
Alabama’s Major Row Crops
Alabama’s agricultural landscape is defined by large-scale, field-based crops planted in rows and harvested mechanically. Cotton has historically been the most dominant commodity and remains the state’s largest row crop, grown in the majority of Alabama’s 67 counties. Farmers dedicate over 400,000 acres to cotton, consistently ranking Alabama among the top cotton-producing states nationally. Cotton cultivation provides both fiber and cottonseed, which is processed for oil and livestock feed.
Peanuts are another major commodity, with Alabama ranking as the third-largest producer in the United States. Most production is concentrated in the Wiregrass region of the southeastern part of the state. Peanut farmers cultivate approximately 165,000 acres, producing hundreds of millions of pounds annually.
Soybeans and corn are also extensively planted row crops. Alabama farmers plant around 360,000 acres of soybeans, which are a source for oil and protein meal used in animal feed. Corn is widely planted, with a significant amount of the 300,000 planted acres grown specifically to support the state’s livestock industry. Production is concentrated in the fertile northern counties, including Jackson, Limestone, and Madison.
Specialty Crops and Horticultural Goods
High-value specialty crops and horticultural products contribute substantially to farm income beyond major commodities. Pecans are a prominent tree nut crop, with Alabama ranking among the top producers in the U.S. Thousands of acres are dedicated to pecan orchards, providing a valuable fresh and processed nut crop.
Alabama is recognized for its fruit production, with peaches serving as the leading commercial fruit crop. Much of the peach harvest originates from orchards in Chilton County, the center of this industry. Other fruits and vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, are also grown commercially, with the state ranking as a top-ten producer in sales.
The Nursery and Greenhouse sector, often called the “green industry,” is a powerful economic force. This sector includes the production of ornamental plants, sod, turfgrass, and landscaping materials. This diverse industry generates hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales. Alabama ranks third nationally in sod production, demonstrating the scale of its turfgrass operations.
The Importance of Animal Agriculture
Animal agriculture is the single largest economic driver in Alabama’s farm economy, despite the diversity of the crop sector. This dominance is due to the massive scale of the poultry industry, which generates the vast majority of agricultural cash receipts. Alabama is consistently ranked as the second-largest broiler-producing state, raising over a billion meat chickens annually. The production and processing of poultry and eggs account for almost three-quarters of the state’s direct agricultural output.
The high concentration of broiler production has created an integrated system supporting related industries, including feed mills and processing plants. Egg production from laying hens is also a major component, making the state a high-volume producer of table eggs. The volume of poultry requires a steady supply of feed grains, linking this sector closely to the state’s corn and soybean production.
Beef cattle and calves represent the second most valuable segment of animal agriculture. The state maintains a substantial cattle inventory of over a million head, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars in annual sales. These operations are largely concentrated in cow-calf production, utilizing the state’s extensive pasture and forage lands. Dairy farming is a significantly smaller component compared to beef and poultry.
Forestry and Timber Production
The cultivation and harvesting of timber represent a distinct and valuable component of Alabama’s natural resource economy. Nearly 70% of the state’s total land area, roughly 23 million acres, is covered by forests. This extensive forest base ranks Alabama as having one of the largest timberland acreages in the United States.
The industry contributes tens of billions of dollars annually through timber production and processing. Alabama is a major national player, ranking highly in the production of lumber and pulp. Most harvested timber is used for lumber, structural wood products, and pulpwood supplying manufacturing facilities. Sustainable practices ensure that forests are growing more timber than is harvested, supporting long-term viability.