Often, when we think of farming we think of farmers’ markets and farmers in denim overalls. Our image of American and Arizona agriculture often gets distorted in the media and in advertising. Big Ag, still often family owned, gets the bad rap.

But without big agriculture, often identified as traditional, we would not have the economic engine Arizona agriculture provides.

 But, even just taking a deeper dive on this issue, what are our traditional crops and what do they mean to our state’s economy? This last Saturday on Rosie on the House, while featuring one of our long-time Arizona farm families, we also talked about traditional agriculture, specifically some of our traditional commodities, especially cotton. 

Cash Receipts for The Big Three 

USDA Most Recent Arizona Cash Receipts for Cotton, Wheat, and Hay (primarily alfalfa) based on the latest available detailed state-level data from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Arizona Annual Statistical Bulletin (2023-2024 edition), the cash receipts for 2022 (the most recent year reported in the document) are as follows. Note that cash receipts represent the value of marketed production. 

Commodity

Year

Cash Receipts (Dollars)

Cotton (including cottonseed)

2022

$189,416,000 

Wheat

2022

$91,754,000 

Hay (primarily alfalfa)

2022

$436,486,000 

Recent value of production estimates from NASS (likely for 2024) show wheat at approximately $54 million and alfalfa hay at $367 million, with cotton data withheld.  

If we remove these crops in Arizona because we think they use too much water, or consumers can’t see the connection they make to our food supply (Dairy and beef protein), we’d wipe off Arizona’s economic books $717,656,000; right off the bat. And that’s just the major three of the 200-plus crops we grow in Arizona. Our leafy greens, just in the winter, generate a couple billion dollars in cash receipts. 

 

Beyond The Major Three

Delving deeper into the significance of traditional agriculture in Arizona reveals a multifaceted industry that not only drives economic growth but also supports sustainability through efficient practices and resource management. Traditional agriculture encompasses staple crops like cotton, wheat, and hay, as well as livestock operations, and forms the backbone of a nearly $31 billion agricultural sector, according to the 2024 University of Arizona Economic Report. This figure underscores the industry's vast scale, employing thousands and contributing to rural communities' vitality. With 16,710 farms and ranches documented in the most recent USDA-NASS Census of Agriculture (2022), Arizona's agricultural landscape is diverse yet rooted in time-tested methods that balance productivity with environmental considerations.


One of the hallmarks of traditional Arizona agriculture is its leadership in vegetable production, particularly leafy greens. The state ranks second in the U.S. for head lettuce, leaf lettuce, Romaine lettuce, cauliflower, and broccoli, as per USDA-NASS data. This prominence isn't just about volume; it's about quality and seasonality. Arizona's winter leafy greens alone generate billions in cash receipts, providing fresh produce nationwide during colder months when other regions can't. Moreover, Yuma County serves as a global hub for seed production, with most leafy greens' seeds—especially for broccoli—originating there, according to Yuma Fresh Vegetable sources. This seed innovation ensures resilient crops that require fewer inputs over time, enhancing sustainability by reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.

 

Shifting focus to grains and fibers, Arizona's traditional crops like cotton and wheat exemplify economic efficiency and global impact. The state ranks third in Pima cotton production and grows enough cotton annually to produce more than one pair of jeans for nearly every American, as reported by the Arizona Cotton Growers. On a single acre, Arizona yields an impressive 1,366 pounds of Upland cotton per USDA-NASS figures, thanks to advanced irrigation techniques that maximize water use in an arid climate. This productivity not only bolsters local economies but also supports textile industries worldwide. 

 

Similarly, Arizona is the fourth largest producer of durum wheat in the nation, with its Desert Durum® variety exported to Italy for premium pasta production. These exports highlight how traditional farming connects Arizona to international markets, fostering trade that brings in revenue and stabilizes prices for farmers.

 

Beyond crops, livestock plays a pivotal role in traditional agriculture, with beef and dairy leading as the state's top commodities, according to USDA-NASS. Arizona produces enough beef each year to feed over 8 million Americans, as noted by the Arizona Beef Council, demonstrating the industry's capacity to meet national protein demands. Dairy operations are equally robust, with cash receipts for milk ranging from $600 million to $800 million annually, varying with market prices. Arizona's dairies stand out for their scale, averaging 1,500 to 2,000 cows per operation—far larger than the national average of 100 to 150 cows, per United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA) data. This efficiency stems from modern management, optimal nutrition, and breeds like Holsteins, enabling Arizona dairy cows to produce an average of 24,000 pounds of milk per year, or about 75 pounds daily over 305 milking days. With approximately 205,000 dairy cows in the state (numbers fluctuate), productivity often exceeds national averages due to a climate that's conducive to cow health and innovative practices that minimize waste.

 

These livestock figures translate into substantial economic multipliers. For instance, each dairy with 1,000 cows contributes more than $3 million to the economy yearly, encompassing feed purchases, labor, and processing. Hay, particularly alfalfa, ties directly into this, as it's a primary feed source for dairy and beef cattle. The $436 million in cash receipts for hay in 2022 underscores its foundational role, supporting animal agriculture while also serving as a rotational crop that improves soil health and reduces erosion, key sustainability benefits in desert farming. Remember, without dairy we don’t have milk, yogurt, and best of all, ice cream. 

 

Even smaller segments like pork contribute meaningfully, with the Arizona pork industry's gross income ranging from $45 to $60 million, based on USDA-NASS and Arizona Pork Council estimates. This diversity in traditional agriculture ensures resilience; when one commodity faces market dips, others can stabilize farm incomes. Sustainability is woven throughout, as traditional practices evolve with technology. For example, precision irrigation in cotton and wheat fields conserves water, addressing criticisms about resource use in a water-scarce state. Alfalfa hay, often criticized for its water intensity, plays a role in aquifer recharge through deep-rooted systems that prevent soil salinization.

 

Critics of traditional agriculture often overlook these interconnections. Eliminating key crops like cotton, wheat, and hay wouldn't just erase hundreds of millions in direct receipts; it would ripple through supply chains, affecting jobs in transportation, processing, and retail. Arizona's farms employ sustainable rotations, where cotton follows wheat or hay, enhancing biodiversity and soil fertility without heavy chemical reliance. Dairy and beef operations incorporate manure management for natural fertilization, closing nutrient loops.

 

Furthermore, traditional agriculture fosters community and cultural heritage. Most of Arizona's 16,710 farms are family-owned, passing down knowledge that adapts to modern challenges like climate change, 95% specifically. Innovations in seed breeding from Yuma ensure crops are drought-resistant, while high-yield dairy practices reduce the overall environmental footprint per gallon of milk. Arizona's ranking in premium exports, like Desert Durum® to Italy, positions the state as a leader in quality, not just quantity.

 

In essence, traditional agriculture in Arizona is far from average, it is a dynamic force driving economic stability and sustainable progress. By valuing these commodities, from cotton jeans to daily milk, we recognize their role in feeding, clothing, and employing millions. Dismissing them or stating that they use too much water risks undermining a $31 billion industry that's integral to the state's identity and future resilience. 

 

As we face growing demands for food security, Arizona's traditional crops and livestock offer proven models of efficiency, proving that big agriculture can be both profitable and planet-friendly.

One of our traditional farmers, Dean Wells, was our guest on Rosie on the House. His story inspires. Listen to the episode below and hear all about his family farm story.