Alabama’s agricultural sector is a significant force in the state’s economy. While the total value of the state’s farm output is dominated by livestock, particularly poultry, the cultivation of fiber and food crops remains a massive contributor. The crop production ranges from globally traded commodities to specialized, high-value produce grown for local markets. The state’s diverse crop profile is directly tied to its unique climate and varied geographical regions, which allow for a wide array of plants to thrive throughout the year.
Alabama’s Core Commodity Crops
Cotton remains the most abundant row crop in Alabama, grown commercially in a majority of its counties. Farmers harvested 430,000 acres of upland cotton in 2022. This fiber crop generates hundreds of millions of dollars in value annually, including the production of cottonseed, which is a byproduct used in oil and animal feed.
Another major commodity crop is the peanut, for which Alabama consistently ranks as one of the top three producing states. The majority of this production is concentrated in the southeastern “Wiregrass” region, particularly around the city of Dothan. Peanuts are typically grown for food processing, with a large portion destined for peanut butter.
Corn and soybeans are large-scale field crops, primarily serving the livestock and poultry industries. Corn is predominantly grown for grain, with over half of the state’s production concentrated in the northern Tennessee Valley region.
This grain is a foundational component of the feed used by the state’s broiler chicken operations. Soybeans are used not only for animal feed but also for the production of oil and biodiesel fuel. The cultivation of these two crops often provides a necessary rotation with cotton and peanuts, which helps manage soil health and control pests. The combined production of corn, soybeans, and wheat contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to the state’s economy.
Specialty Produce and High-Value Agriculture
Alabama supports a vibrant sector of specialty produce and high-value agricultural products. The greenhouse, nursery, and sod industry is a significant segment, generating over half a billion dollars in economic contribution annually. Alabama ranks third nationally in sod production.
The state is also known for specific fruit and vegetable production, which often serves direct-to-consumer markets and local food processors. Peaches are the leading commercial fruit crop, with a large portion of the state’s harvest originating in Chilton County. Pecans represent another significant nut crop, where Alabama ranks highly in national sales.
Vegetables like sweet potatoes and watermelons are grown, with the state ranking seventh nationally in sweet potato sales. The coastal regions are seeing growth in emerging, high-value crops such as the cold-hardy satsuma citrus and kiwifruit. These specialty crops can be highly profitable per acre, offering diversification away from traditional row crop farming.
The Geographic Factors Supporting Alabama Farming
Alabama’s climate provides a long growing season. The season lasts approximately 200 days in the northern counties and extends to over 250 days in the southern coastal areas.
The state receives an average annual rainfall ranging from 56 to 65 inches. While the majority of this precipitation falls during the winter and spring, the high humidity also benefits moisture-loving crops like soybeans. However, the concentration of rainfall can sometimes lead to nutrient leaching in the soil.
A variety of soil types support cultivation across the regions. The Coastal Plain, which covers a large southern portion of the state, contains sandy soils that are suited for growing peanuts. In contrast, the fertile Limestone Valleys in the north, with their Decatur and Dewey soils, are ideal for high-yield cotton and soybean production.