Agriculture has always been the heartbeat of Idaho. It has evolved from the small, rugged homesteads of the 19th century into the sophisticated, global powerhouse we see today. 

Early on pioneers discovered parts of the state were arid while other parts had rich volcanic soil and mountain-fed water. This was perfect for farming once irrigation arrived. By the late 1800s, what began as modest support for local mining camps quickly blossomed into a commercial industry, as railroads connected Idaho’s harvests to tables across the nation.

Today, Idaho is a diverse agricultural leader, home to roughly 25,000 farms and ranches that produce over 185 different commodities. While the state is world-famous for its high-quality potatoes (producing nearly one-third of the U.S. supply). It is also a top producer of barley, alfalfa, sugar beets, and wheat. The industry deeply weaves itself into the state’s identity and economy, contributes over $44 billion annually, and supports thousands of local jobs.

Looking toward the future, Idaho’s farmers are increasingly embracing sustainability to protect their land for generations to come. Many are adopting “regenerative” practices, such as minimal tilling, crop rotation, and cover cropping. They are hoping to improve soil health and manage water more efficiently. As the state shifts from simply shipping raw ingredients to processing more food locally, Idaho continues to prove that it is much more than just a farm. Idaho is a vital, modern hub helping to feed the nation and beyond.

About Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Agriculture is more than just Idaho’s leading industry. It is a deeply rooted way of life for communities across the entire state. To support and protect this vital cornerstone, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established in 1919.

Today, the agency is thoughtfully organized to look after the everyday interests of both farmers and consumers. To do this efficiently, the ISDA manages over 60 areas of state law through the Director’s Office, six specialized divisions, and two dedicated bureaus, ensuring that Idaho’s agricultural traditions continue to thrive safely and smoothly.

More than a century later, the ISDA remains a flexible, forward-thinking agency dedicated to meeting the evolving needs of Idaho’s agricultural heartland.

The department’s work touches the lives of every single Idahoan. Because the state’s economic health is deeply connected to the success of its farms and ranches, the ISDA is always looking ahead to new opportunities that will shape the future of food production. As farming continues to change, the department’s top priority is ensuring that its services remain efficient, helpful, and high-quality.

Over the past hundred years, generations of Idaho farmers and ranchers have laid a foundation of hard work and community values. The ISDA is proud to honor that legacy, pledging to protect and champion those same timeless values for generations to come.

Learn more at https://agri.idaho.gov/.

Top 5 Agricultural Commodities In Idaho

Idaho’s agricultural landscape is a powerhouse of production. Idaho has nearly 25,000 farms and ranches contributing over 185 different commodities to the national and global food supply. While people globally recognize the “Potato State” moniker, a diverse livestock sector heavily drives the state’s economic engine.

Cattle and Calves

As of 2025, cattle and calves have reclaimed the top spot as Idaho’s leading agricultural commodity. It generates an estimated $3.9 billion in cash receipts. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time since 2003 that beef cattle have surpassed milk in annual revenue. The state’s cattle industry benefits from expansive rangelands and a robust local feed supply, including hay and by-products from potato and sugar beet processing.

Dairy Products (Milk)

Idaho is a titan of the American dairy industry. It consistently ranks among the top states for milk and cheese production. Milk receipts are estimated at approximately $3.85 billion annually. Idaho’s dairy cows are remarkably productive. The state regularly produces over 16 billion pounds of milk annually. This accounts for roughly 7% of the total U.S. supply. Much of this milk is processed locally into world-class cheese, which is exported to markets across the globe.

Potatoes

Synonymous with the state’s identity, Idaho produces nearly one-third of all potatoes grown in the United States. The volcanic, mineral-rich soil of the Snake River Plain, combined with a climate of warm days and cool nights, creates the perfect environment for the famous Russet potato. Idaho grows over 100 million hundredweight (cwt) of potatoes annually. These potatoes serve both fresh market and processing demands. Idaho is so serious about its potatoes that the state has a “Certification Mark” (aka… the “Grown in Idaho” seal). To use it, potatoes must meet strict quality standards for size, shape, and skin condition. This ensures that when you buy a potato with that label, you’re getting the best of the harvest.

Related: How to Store Potatoes

Hay and Haylage

Hay is the backbone of Idaho’s livestock industry. It serves as the primary feed source for the state’s massive dairy and beef cattle herds. It is valued at approximately $650 million to $800 million annually depending on market fluctuations.Idaho is a national leader in high-quality alfalfa production. Because it is water-intensive, hay is grown across more than 1.2 million acres in the state. It utilizes Idaho’s sophisticated irrigation infrastructure to ensure consistent yields.

Wheat

Wheat remains a cornerstone of Idaho’s cropping systems, with farmers harvesting over 100 million bushels in recent years. Idaho wheat contributes over $550 million to the state’s economy annually. Growers and buyers highly prize it for its quality and versatility. The state produces both winter and spring wheat varieties, which are widely exported to international markets in Asia and beyond, cementing Idaho’s role as a vital player in global food security.

Fruits and Vegetables from Idaho

Beyond the famous spud, the state produces a wide variety of specialty crops that power local economies and fill grocery store shelves across the nation.

Here are three of the most significant fruits and vegetables grown in Idaho and the impact they have on the agricultural industry.

Top Fruits

• Apples: They are one of Idaho’s leading fruit crops. With the state consistently ranking among the top ten apple-producing states in the U.S. Growers cultivate a wide variety of high-quality apples, particularly in the southwestern “Sunny Slope” region.
• Cherries: Sweet cherries are a cornerstone of Idaho’s summer fruit harvest. The state is a notable producer, with specific micro-climates allowing for the cultivation of premium, flavor-dense varieties that are popular in regional and national markets.
• Peaches: They round out the “big three” of Idaho’s orchard fruits. Consumers highly value Idaho-grown peaches for their sweetness and quality, often purchasing them at direct-to-consumer farm stands and local markets.

Top Vegetables

• Potatoes: Undisputed as Idaho’s signature crop, the state produces approximately 30% of all potatoes in the United States. They are the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy, consistently ranking #1 in national production
• Sugar Beets: Idaho is the third-largest producer of sugar beets in the nation. This essential crop is primarily grown in the Snake River Valley and serves as a vital component of the domestic sugar supply.
• Onions: Idaho consistently ranks as a top-five state for onion production. The Treasure Valley region is particularly famous for its high-quality storage onions, which are distributed to markets across the country year-round.

Visit our Produce Directory and learn how to Select, Store and Serve these fruits & vegetables.

About 50 States of Agriculture

In celebration of 250 years of the United States, The Produce Moms is proud to present 50 States of Agriculture. This is an educational and free resource that celebrates the bounty of America. We utilized USDA and State Department of Agriculture data (Idaho) for the content in this series.

Agriculture is the foundation of freedom. Food security is national security. This content series is a celebration of United States culture and the hard-working farmers who feed, fuel &  clothe our nation and the world.

Visit another state from our 50 States of Agriculture.