Colorado’s agricultural sector is geographically diverse, utilizing unique topography—from high-altitude mountain valleys to semi-arid plains—to cultivate a wide array of goods. This diversity contributes approximately $47 billion annually to the state’s economic activity and supports over 195,000 jobs across 36,000 farm operations. The state’s varied landscapes enable producers to grow everything from feed grains to specialized, high-value produce sought after across the country.
The Foundation: Large-Scale Field Crops
The bulk of Colorado’s farmed acreage is dedicated to foundational field crops supporting the livestock industry or destined for bulk processing and export. Hay, necessary feed for the state’s substantial cattle and sheep populations, is a major crop, with nearly 1.5 million acres dedicated to varieties like alfalfa and grass mixes. Corn also dominates the landscape, with over one million acres used for grain, silage, and ethanol production.
These fields are concentrated largely on the Eastern Plains, where the flatter topography allows for large-scale, mechanized farming. Winter wheat is a significant commodity, with Colorado consistently ranking among the top ten producing states. The state is also the nation’s number one producer of proso millet, a gluten-free grain often used in birdseed and specialty flours.
Colorado’s High-Value Specialty Produce
While field crops occupy the most land, localized areas are renowned for produce that commands a higher value due to specific growing conditions. The San Luis Valley, a high-altitude plateau, is the source for approximately 90% of the state’s potato production, ranking Colorado as a top ten national producer. These potatoes flourish in the valley’s fertile soil and cool nights at an elevation of about 7,600 feet.
The Western Slope is celebrated for its fruit orchards, particularly in the Grand Valley around Palisade. Warm days and cool nights are ideal here for developing high sugar content in peaches, apples, cherries, and grapes, which support a growing wine industry. The southeastern Rocky Ford region is famous for its cantaloupes and watermelons, which thrive in the hot, dry summer climate. Additional high-value crops include onions (where Colorado is a top seven producer), sweet corn, and cabbage, grown in areas like Weld County and the Arkansas Valley.
How Geography Shapes Colorado’s Agriculture
The geographical division between the state’s eastern and western halves fundamentally dictates crop selection and farming practices. The Eastern Plains are characterized by a semi-arid climate and lower elevation, making water management a defining challenge. Agriculture here relies on dryland farming techniques for crops like winter wheat or extensive irrigation, often sourced from the South Platte and Arkansas Rivers, to support crops like corn.
Conversely, the Western Slope, west of the Continental Divide, is defined by its mountain-fed water sources and a climate featuring warm days and significantly cooler nights. This temperature swing is particularly beneficial for fruit production, as the cool nights slow the respiration of the plants, concentrating the sugars developed during the day. The region’s altitude and resulting microclimates create a natural defense against many pests and diseases, which is another factor favoring the cultivation of delicate, high-value tree fruits and vegetables. The availability of snowmelt for irrigation transforms these high-desert valleys into productive agricultural zones.