Texas, the second-largest state in the U.S., features a vast and varied agricultural landscape shaped by its immense size and climatic diversity. Spanning USDA hardiness zones from 6b in the chilly northern Panhandle to 10a in the subtropical Lower Rio Grande Valley, the state’s geography supports an exceptional array of crops. This range, encompassing deserts, plains, and coastal regions, has established Texas as a national leader in crop production. The state’s varied soil types and growing seasons, which can extend to over 340 frost-free days in the far south, allow for commercial farming of everything from staple grains to high-value specialty produce. This agricultural system contributes significantly to the state’s economy and the nation’s food and fiber supply.
Fiber and Oilseed Crops
Cotton stands as the single most significant commercial crop in Texas, where it has long been crowned the “king” of cash crops. The state consistently leads the United States in production. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) is the dominant type grown across the state, with planting beginning as early as February in the Lower Rio Grande Valley and extending into June in the South High Plains.
The High Plains region, centered around Lubbock, is responsible for a large portion of the state’s total yield, often utilizing both dryland farming and center-pivot irrigation drawing from the Ogallala Aquifer. Cotton is a warm-season crop that requires a long period for fiber maturation. The final harvested material is used for textiles, while the cottonseed yields oil and a protein-rich meal. The entire cotton industry contributes billions of dollars to the Texas economy annually.
Other important non-perishable crops grown for processing include oilseeds like peanuts and sunflowers. Texas is uniquely positioned as the only state that produces all four major market types of peanuts—Runner, Virginia, Spanish, and Valencia. Spanish peanuts, with their high oil content, are frequently designated for crushing to produce cooking oil. Sunflowers are another oilseed crop, grown in the state for both oil extraction and for the confectionary market, including birdseed.
Primary Feed and Cereal Grains
A large portion of the state’s cultivated land is dedicated to growing grains essential for human consumption and, notably, for the immense Texas livestock industry. Corn (Zea mays) is a major crop, with most of the acreage and yield increases occurring in Central and South Texas. Corn is largely an irrigated crop, particularly in the High Plains.
Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), a highly drought-tolerant cereal, is a staple crop in Texas, which is the second-largest producer in the U.S. This grain is well-suited to the state’s variable rainfall and is extensively used in poultry and livestock feed, linking directly to the large feedlot industries. It also sees use in ethanol production.
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is another valuable cash crop, grown primarily for grain in the northern part of the state and often providing winter forage for cattle before harvest. Cultivation of the Mediterranean strain of wheat expanded greatly in North Central Texas after the mid-1800s, and today, the grain is one of the state’s most economically valuable crops.
Fruits, Vegetables, and Specialty Produce
The diversity of Texas agriculture is evident in its production of high-value, perishable food crops, which are often concentrated in specialized regions. The Lower Rio Grande Valley, with its subtropical environment and over 340 frost-free days, is the heart of the state’s citrus and vegetable production. This area produces the famous Texas grapefruit, predominantly the sweet, deep-red Rio Red variety, along with oranges, including the Marrs and Valencia types.
The Rio Grande Valley is also a significant source of vegetables, including sweet onions, watermelons, cabbages, and carrots, which benefit from the extended growing season. The ability of this southern region to harvest produce from October through May allows it to supply markets across North America during the winter months.
Beyond the Valley, the state is a major producer of pecans (Carya illinoinensis). Pecans are the only commercially grown nut crop in Texas and are native to many of the state’s river valleys. Growers manage both native groves and planted orchards of improved varieties. Texas pecan production averages tens of millions of pounds annually, contributing to the state’s food diversity and economy.