Texas is an agricultural giant, defined by its immense size and diverse climate zones. The state spans from arid desert conditions in the west to humid, subtropical environments along the Gulf Coast, resulting in USDA growing zones from 6b to 10a. This environmental heterogeneity supports a highly diversified agricultural industry that is a foundational element of the state’s economy, allowing for the cultivation of both large-scale commodity crops and specialized produce.
Primary Commodity Crops
The agricultural identity of Texas is closely tied to its large-scale commodity crops, grown primarily for wholesale markets or industrial use. Cotton is the state’s most valuable cash crop, consistently producing nearly 40% of the entire U.S. supply. This production spans over five million acres annually, primarily concentrated in the High Plains region, which relies on irrigation from the Ogallala Aquifer.
The High Plains region, centered near Lubbock, is the largest contiguous cotton-producing area in the world. Upland cotton is the dominant variety, though the desert-adapted American Pima cotton is grown in the far west Trans-Pecos area. Cotton is also an important rotation crop in the Panhandle, helping manage water use alongside corn.
Corn and sorghum grain are grown on a massive scale, serving mainly as feedstocks for livestock and raw material for ethanol production. Sorghum, a drought-tolerant crop, is particularly suited to the semi-arid conditions of West Texas and the Panhandle. Both grains are processed for ethanol.
Wheat, predominantly the hard red winter variety, is a winter crop that thrives in the High Plains and Panhandle regions. Texas consistently ranks among the top ten states for wheat production. Hay production is another large commodity sector, serving the state’s extensive cattle industry, with cutting conditions dependent on seasonal rainfall across the Blacklands and Rolling Plains.
Specialty and Produce Farming
Beyond commodity fields, Texas agriculture includes a robust sector devoted to high-value crops grown for direct human consumption. The state is a major producer of over 60 commercial fruits and vegetables, including onions, watermelons, and leafy greens. Texas is the top U.S. producer of watermelons and a significant grower of cabbage and carrots.
The Rio Grande Valley in South Texas is the epicenter for citrus, benefiting from a unique subtropical climate. This region, which includes Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties, is the third largest citrus-producing area in the nation. Grapefruit, including the distinctive Rio Ruby Red variety, and oranges are the primary crops.
Nut crops, especially pecans, represent a specialized agricultural product deeply tied to the state. The pecan is native to more than half of Texas’s counties, with commercial production occurring across managed orchards and native groves. Native pecan trees continue to grow along riverbeds and streams throughout the state.
Regional and Horticultural Production
Agricultural production extends to unique regional goods and non-food products, highlighting the state’s microclimates. The Texas wine industry is gaining prominence, with the majority of grapes sourced from two American Viticultural Areas (AVAs). The Texas High Plains AVA, located on the Llano Estacado, supplies approximately 80% of the state’s wine grapes, utilizing its high elevation and cool nights.
The Texas Hill Country AVA is a separate growing region known for its concentration of wineries and tasting rooms, often relying on grapes from the High Plains. This region features diverse soils, including limestone, that contribute to the unique terroir of its wines. The state’s green industry, encompassing nursery and floral products, is also a significant economic driver.
The economic contribution of the nursery and greenhouse sector, along with landscaping services, totals billions of dollars in output. This horticultural production focuses on ornamental plants, trees, and flowers for urban development across the state. Timber and forestry are a distinct form of agricultural production centered in the humid, pine-dominated forests of East Texas.
These East Texas forests cover approximately 12 million acres, providing dimensional lumber for construction and materials for pulp and paper. The value of harvested timber is consistently ranked among the state’s top agricultural commodities. The timber sector is driven by the demand for pine sawtimber, with forest resources managed for sustained yield.