How to Determine the Best Crops to Grow on Your Farmland
- Craig Kaiser
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Choosing the right crops for your farmland isn't just about what's trending at the farmers' market. It's a calculated decision that can mean the difference between a thriving agricultural operation and years of frustration. Whether you're a new landowner looking to put your property to productive use or an experienced farmer considering a shift in your rotation, understanding your land's unique characteristics is the foundation of agricultural success.
How to Determine the Best Crops to Grow on Your Farmland
Choosing the right crops for your farmland requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure long-term productivity and profitability. Below are key steps to help you determine the best crops to grow on your land.
1) Start with a Deep Dive into Your Soil
The foundation of any successful crop is the soil it grows in. Different plants have unique nutritional needs, and not all soil is created equal. Understanding your soil's composition is the first step toward selecting a crop that will thrive. When determining the best crops to grow on your farmland, soil testing is non-negotiable. Guessing your soil types and soil health is a recipe for a poor harvest.
Assess Your Land's Soil Types
Your land's soil types tell the story of what will grow best on your land. Different crops thrive in different soil types, and fighting against your soil's natural characteristics is an expensive uphill battle.
Clay soils retain moisture well but can become waterlogged and are slow to warm in spring. They're excellent for crops like wheat, soybeans, and certain grasses but may struggle with root vegetables that need loose, well-draining conditions.
Sandy soils drain quickly and warm up fast in spring, making them ideal for early-season crops, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, and crops that don't tolerate wet feet. However, they require more frequent irrigation and fertilization since nutrients leach through quickly.
Loam soils are the agricultural gold standard because they have a balanced mix that retains moisture while draining well. Most crops will perform admirably in loam, giving you the widest range of options.
One way to learn more about the soil types and soil characteristics on your land is with a free LandApp Property Report. Simply find your parcel on our map to create your free report, then click on the Building Suitability Value Index Score. From there, you'll be able to see what kind of soils are on your land in the soil quality table.
Evaluate the Soil Characteristics
Diving deeper into your property's soil characteristics can help you determine which crops are best to grow on your land. A professional soil health test provides a detailed analysis of its characteristics. These tests measure crucial factors like:
pH Level: This tells you if your soil is acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Most crops prefer a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, but some, like blueberries, thrive in more acidic soil.
Nutrient Content: A test will reveal the levels of primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and secondary micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, zinc). This information helps you identify deficiencies you need to correct with fertilizers.
You can get soil testing kits from local agricultural extension offices, local businesses, or online. Some universities also offer soil health testing kits. The results will give you a scientific basis for choosing crops that are well-suited to your land's natural state and guide your soil amendment strategy.
2) Understand Your Land's Features
Beyond soil chemistry, the physical characteristics of your land, like its topography and size, play a significant role in determining which crops are best to grow on your land.
Topography and Drainage
Consider the topography and drainage patterns. Is your land flat, or does it have slopes? Flat land opens up nearly all possibilities but may have drainage challenges. Sloped land may be better for certain types of crops, like grapes, that require good drainage. Low-lying areas that collect water might be suitable for rice or other water-loving plants. Gentle slopes often provide the best of both worlds because they can have great drainage with manageable equipment operation.
Property Size and Shape
Similarly, field size and shape determine equipment efficiency and crop economics. Large, rectangular fields are ideal for commodity crops like corn and soybeans where economy of scale matters. Smaller or irregular fields might be better suited to specialty crops, market gardens, or intensive grazing operations.
3) Assess Your Local Climate and Water Access
Your region's climate is a primary factor in determining which crops can grow successfully. Key climatic elements to evaluate include temperature, rainfall, and sunlight. tolerant.
Know Your Hardiness Zone
The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is an essential tool for any grower. It divides the country into zones based on average minimum winter temperatures. Each plant has a recommended hardiness zone, and planting outside of it is risky. Choosing crops that are appropriate for your zone dramatically increases their chance of survival and productivity.
Rainfall and Water Availability
Consider your area's average annual rainfall and the availability of natural water sources, irrigation rights, and water table depth. Evaluate your access to water, whether from a well, pond, or municipal source, and ensure you have the water rights and infrastructure to use it for agriculture. The cost and logistics of irrigation systems can significantly impact your operation's profitability. Some crops like rice require abundant water, while others like certain grains and legumes are remarkably drought-tolerant. Does it align with the needs of the crops you are considering? Other crops, like corn and soybeans, are water-intensive, while others, like wheat and sorghum, are more drought-tolerant. If rainfall is insufficient, you must have a reliable irrigation source.
4) Analyze Market Demand and Profitability
Growing a healthy crop is only half the battle; you also need to be able to sell it (unless you're growing crops for your personal homestead, off-grid home, or microfarm). A smart crop selection strategy balances what your land can grow with what the market wants to buy.
Research Local and Regional Markets
Investigate which crops are in high demand in your area. You can do this by visiting local farmers' markets, speaking with grocery store produce managers, and connecting with agricultural cooperatives. Is there a niche for organic produce, specialty grains, or ethnic vegetables? Identifying a gap in the local market can provide a profitable opportunity. Also, consider your proximity to processing facilities, such as mills, canneries, or ethanol plants. Growing crops that supply these facilities can secure a consistent buyer for your harvest.
Calculate Potential Profitability
Once you have a shortlist of suitable crops, estimate the potential return on investment for each. Consider your infrastructure and investment capacity. Some crops require specialized equipment for planting, maintenance, or harvest. Storage facilities might be necessary. Factor in all associated costs with selling crops from your land, including:
Seed or transplant costs
Fertilizer and pest control
Fuel and equipment maintenance
Labor costs
Water and irrigation expenses
Compare these costs against the expected yield and current market price for the crop. This analysis will help you identify which options offer the most promising financial return for your specific situation.
5) Learn From Your Neighbors
Your neighboring farms are conducting ongoing experiments in what works locally. Drive around your area and note what crops are commonly grown. Talk to local farmers, extension agents, and agricultural suppliers. They have invaluable knowledge about local pest pressures, disease challenges, weather patterns, and market opportunities. Local agricultural extension offices often have county-specific crop recommendations based on years of research and farmer experience in your exact area.
You can see the crops that are grown near you using LandApp's Land Data Layer. Go to LandApp's map on desktop or download LandApp's free app on the Apple or Google Play stores, then find the region or area of interest on our map. Next, select the Land Data Layer to view the land use categories and crops using the legend on the left as your point of reference.
Tips for Planting Crops on Land & Ongoing Maintenance
Before committing to large-scale production of any crop, consider small test plots. This allows you to evaluate how crops actually perform on your specific land before making major investments in equipment or infrastructure. You'll learn about local pest pressures, disease susceptibility, and whether your management style suits particular crops.
Even if your land is perfect for a particular crop, continuous monoculture can deplete soil nutrients and increase pest and disease pressure. Thinking in terms of crop rotations rather than single crops will lead to better long-term outcomes and prevent crop damage. Classic rotations alternate between crops with different nutrient needs and rooting depths. Legumes like soybeans or alfalfa fix nitrogen in the soil, reducing fertilizer needs for subsequent crops. Deep-rooted crops can break up compaction and access nutrients lower in the soil profile. Cover crops between cash crops protect and build soil health.
Leverage Your Land's Potential with LandApp
Choosing the right crop is a complex process that combines science, observation, and business strategy. By thoroughly evaluating your soil, climate, and market, you can make a decision that sets you up for a successful and profitable harvest. Ready to analyze your property to determine the best crops to grow on your farmland? Get your free property report on LandApp today to instantly see your land's features, soil types, and topography.
For landowners not ready to farm themselves, leasing your agricultural land to an experienced farmer is an excellent way to generate income. This allows your property to remain productive while providing an opportunity for a farmer who may be looking for more acreage. If you have farmland you'd like to make productive through leases to farmers, list your farmland for lease to farmers for free on LandApp's marketplace and connect with agricultural professionals looking for land to lease.
