Montana, known as “Big Sky Country,” is more than scenic views and open spaces—it’s a major agricultural producer, feeding millions nationwide. In fact, 62% of the state’s land is used for agricultural production, and some of the leading crops are wheat, hay, barley, and sugar beets.
If you take a drive through the state during the growing season, you’ll witness vast fields of these crops stretching far away and disappearing on the horizon. Agriculture is central to Montana’s economy and culture, and the state’s unique environment allows diverse crops to thrive there.
This article explores the key crops grown in Montana, how climate and soil shape farming practices, and the economic impact of this vital industry.
Curious about those endless fields? Let’s take a closer look.
Major Crops in Montana
Montana’s agricultural output is incredibly diverse, thanks to its vast landscapes and varied climate zones. The state is known for several staple crops, with wheat leading the charge. But that’s just the beginning.
1. Wheat
Wheat is at the heart of Montana’s agriculture, making the state one of the top wheat producers in the U.S. Its climate, with cold winters and warm summers, is perfect for growing spring wheat, winter wheat, and durum wheat.
Types of Wheat Grown in Montana include:
- Spring wheat’s high protein makes it ideal for bread
- Winter wheat is used in general flour production
- Durum wheat is essential for pasta.
Montana’s wheat fields, mainly in the northern and eastern regions, stretch for miles and play a crucial role in the state’s economy. The industry supports thousands of jobs, from farming and grain storage to transportation and processing.
Wheat exports from Montana reach markets worldwide, emphasizing the crop’s significance beyond state borders.
With a long-standing tradition of wheat farming, Montana continues to be a vital contributor to both local food supplies and global agricultural demands.
2. Barley
Barley is another one of Montana’s major crops, and is produced both for the malting and livestock feed industries. This grain plays a central role in beer production, which has made Montana part of the supply chain backbone of breweries nationwide.
The state’s clean environment and ideal growing conditions make it a prime location for producing barley that meets strict brewing standards.
Leading production comes from counties like Chouteau, Hill, and Teton, where fertile soils and a suitable climate help farmers achieve strong yields. Varieties grown include two-row barley, preferred by brewers, and six-row barley, which is often used for animal feed.
Barley’s versatility ensures it supports both Montana’s brewing connections and its substantial cattle industry. As demand for craft beer grows and livestock feed remains essential, barley continues to be a vital part of the state’s agricultural economy.
3. Hay and Forage
Hay and forage are vital to Montana’s agriculture, providing essential feed for the state’s large livestock industry.
With cattle ranching at the heart of Montana’s economy, dependable hay supplies are an absolute must, especially during long winters when grazing is limited. Alfalfa hay, valued for its high protein content, is commonly used for dairy and beef cattle, while grass hay thrives in drier areas and serves as a reliable feed source.
Beyond supporting local ranchers, hay production significantly impacts Montana’s economy. Sales extend beyond state borders, while related industries like transportation, equipment supply, and storage benefit from the demand.
As livestock farming remains central to Montana’s agricultural landscape, hay and forage continue to play a critical role in sustaining healthy herds and strong rural communities.
4. Sugar Beets
Montana is a leading producer of sugar beets, thanks to its favorable climate and fertile soils.
The state’s cooler temperatures and long summer days create ideal conditions for this crop, with regions like the Yellowstone and Lower Yellowstone River valleys being key production areas.
Sugar beets play a significant economic role in Montana. Processing facilities in towns such as Sidney and Billings transform the beets into refined sugar, supporting local jobs and businesses.
The industry benefits not only farmers but also transportation, equipment suppliers, and processing plant workers. The domestic demand for produced sugar is likely going to remain steady for many years, making sugar beets an indispensable part of Montana’s economic makeup.
5. Pulse Crops
Pulse crops, such as lentils, dry peas, and chickpeas, have become increasingly important to Montana’s agriculture over the past decade. The state is now a national leader in lentil production, which has been driven by a rising global demand fueled by a rising popularity in health and wellness and plant-based diets.
These crops are valued for their high protein and fiber content, making them a staple in plant-based diets.
Pulses also benefit the environment by naturally fixing nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This improves soil health and makes them an excellent choice for crop rotation.
Dry pea production has expanded as Montana farmers seek sustainable and profitable alternatives.
Common varieties grown include green and yellow peas, red and green lentils, and different chickpea types.
With consumer interest in plant-based proteins continuing to grow, pulse crops play a vital role in both Montana’s economy and sustainable farming practices.
6. Specialty Crops
Montana’s agriculture isn’t limited to grains and pulses—it also includes a variety of specialty crops that boost the state’s economy.
Around Flathead Lake, sweet cherries flourish in the mild climate, attracting strong regional and national demand. Montana is also known for its high-quality seed potatoes, which are shipped to farmers across the country.
Hops production has expanded with the growing craft beer industry, while mint is cultivated for flavoring and essential oils. These crops thrive in specific regions, including the fertile western valleys and parts of central Montana.
As consumer interest in local and specialty products increases, these crops provide valuable opportunities for Montana farmers to diversify their operations and tap into new markets.
7. Oilseed Crops
Oilseed crops like canola, flaxseed, and safflower are gaining importance in Montana’s agriculture.
Canola is widely grown for its cooking oil, while flaxseed, rich in omega-3s, is used in food products and animal feed. Safflower serves both as a source of oil and an ingredient in birdseed.
These crops thrive in Montana’s climate and are often rotated with grains and pulses to maintain soil health. Their rising demand in food, health, and industrial markets provides farmers with valuable opportunities to diversify and boost income.
As consumer interest in plant-based oils grows, oilseed crops continue to strengthen Montana’s agricultural economy.
Main Factors that Influence Crop Production in Montana
Crop production in Montana is shaped by a combination of environmental conditions, soil quality, and technological advancements.
Climate
Montana’s semi-arid climate has a significant impact on crop selection and yield. While the warm summers and long daylight hours benefit many crops, the limited rainfall means irrigation is essential in many areas.
Farmers rely on water management systems to maintain productivity, especially during dry spells.
Droughts and sudden weather changes, including hailstorms and early frosts, can severely affect yields, making climate variability one of the biggest challenges for Montana’s agricultural industry.
Soil
The diversity of soil types across Montana greatly influences which crops can thrive.
Fertile river valleys support grains and specialty crops, while drier regions are more suited to hay and barley.
Soil quality affects not just crop choice but also overall productivity. Farmers implement soil conservation practices, such as crop rotation and cover cropping, to preserve soil health, reduce erosion, and improve long-term yields.
Technology and Research
Advances in agricultural technology are transforming how Montana’s farmers work. Precision farming tools, like GPS-guided equipment and data-driven irrigation systems, help maximize efficiency and reduce resource use.
Research institutions play a vital role in developing new, resilient crop varieties and improving farming methods. While innovation brings opportunities, farmers also face challenges in adopting new technologies due to costs and learning curves.
Despite these hurdles, technology continues to drive improvements in crop production across the state.
Economic Impact of Montana’s Crops
Agriculture is a key part of Montana’s economy, with crop production supporting local communities and generating significant revenue.
The industry provides thousands of jobs in farming, transportation, processing, and equipment services, making it a vital economic driver.
Montana’s crops, especially wheat, barley, and pulses, are valuable exports, with much of the harvest reaching international markets. These exports bring essential income to the state. However, farmers face challenges like market fluctuations, rising input costs, and unpredictable weather.
Despite these hurdles, there are opportunities for growth. Expanding into specialty crops, adopting sustainable practices, and meeting global demand for plant-based products offer ways for Montana’s agricultural sector to remain competitive and resilient.
Final Words
Montana’s agriculture is a blend of tradition and innovation. Wheat fields, barley farms, pulse crops, and specialty produce together paint a rich picture of the state’s farming community.
Agriculture not only sustains the economy but also shapes the culture and daily life of Montana’s people.
Supporting local farmers by choosing Montana-grown products helps strengthen rural communities and ensures a steady supply of quality food.
The next time you pass by a sprawling field or enjoy a hearty slice of bread, you’ll know a little more about the hard work and dedication that goes into growing those crops.