Did you know?Texas is one of the most important agricultural states in the United States, producing a wide variety of crops that support the nation's food supply, livestock industry, and agricultural economy. From sorghum and corn to…
Texas is one of the most important agricultural states in the United States, producing a wide variety of crops that support the nation's food supply, livestock industry, and agricultural economy. From sorghum and corn to grapefruit and hay, Texas farmers cultivate millions of acres of farmland every year. The state's diverse climate, extensive agricultural land, and established farming infrastructure have helped make it a major producer of several important crops.
Texas Is One of the Nation's Leading Sorghum Producers
Texas consistently ranks among the top two states in the United States for grain sorghum production, competing with Kansas for the leading position.
In 2025, Texas farmers produced approximately 100.7 million bushels of grain sorghum from 1.9 million harvested acres. This made Texas the nation's second-largest sorghum producer.
Sorghum is valued for its ability to tolerate hot and relatively dry growing conditions. It is widely used in livestock feed, ethanol production, food products, and international agricultural trade.
The Texas Panhandle, South Plains, and parts of South Texas are important sorghum-growing regions.
Texas Harvests More Than 5 Million Acres of Hay
Texas is one of the nation's leading hay-producing states and ranks first in acreage harvested for hay.
In 2025, Texas farmers harvested approximately 5.1 million acres of hay, producing around 9.6 million tons.
Hay production is especially important because Texas has the largest cattle population in the United States. Ranchers rely on stored hay to feed livestock when natural grazing is limited by drought, winter weather, or seasonal changes.
Common types of hay grown in Texas include coastal bermudagrass, other grass hays, and alfalfa.
Texas Ranks Second in Grapefruit Production
Texas is one of the country's leading grapefruit-producing states, ranking second behind California in recent production figures.
In the 2024–2025 growing season, Texas produced approximately 80,000 tons of grapefruit.
Most commercial grapefruit production takes place in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, where warm temperatures and fertile agricultural land provide suitable growing conditions.
Texas is especially famous for its red and pink grapefruit varieties, including the Rio Red grapefruit. These varieties are valued for their sweet flavor, juicy flesh, and distinctive color.
The Texas Citrus Industry Contributes Millions to the Economy
Grapefruit is an important part of the agricultural economy in South Texas, particularly in Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties.
The crop supports citrus growers, packing facilities, transportation companies, agricultural workers, and other businesses connected to fruit production.
In 2025, the on-tree production value of Texas grapefruit was approximately $59.5 million. The broader citrus industry's economic impact is greater when packing, distribution, and related business activity are included.
Citrus production also contributes to the agricultural identity of the Rio Grande Valley, where grapefruit and orange orchards have been cultivated for generations.
Texas Produces Hundreds of Millions of Bushels of Corn
Corn is another major agricultural crop in Texas, with production supporting livestock feeding, food manufacturing, ethanol production, and agricultural exports.
According to USDA figures, Texas produced approximately 288.9 million bushels of corn for grain in 2025. This was harvested from roughly 2.14 million acres.
Corn is grown in several parts of the state, particularly the Panhandle, North Texas, and Central Texas.
The crop is especially important to cattle feeding operations because corn grain provides a concentrated source of energy in livestock diets.
The Texas Panhandle Is a Major Center for Feed Crop Production
The Texas Panhandle has become an important agricultural region because of its extensive farmland and concentration of cattle feedlots.
Farmers in the area grow corn, sorghum, wheat, and forage crops that help supply nearby livestock operations.
This relationship between crop farming and cattle production creates an integrated agricultural economy. Feed crops can be transported relatively short distances to feedlots, reducing some transportation requirements.
The region's agricultural operations also support equipment suppliers, grain storage facilities, transportation businesses, and food processing companies.
Sorghum Is Well Suited to Texas's Climate
One reason sorghum is an important crop in Texas is its ability to grow under relatively hot and dry conditions.
Compared with corn, grain sorghum generally requires less water and can tolerate periods of drought more effectively.
These characteristics make it useful in agricultural regions where irrigation supplies are limited or rainfall is unpredictable.
However, sorghum yields can still be affected by severe drought, extreme temperatures, pests, and other environmental conditions.
Texas Hay Production Supports the Nation's Largest Cattle Industry
Hay production is closely connected to Texas's enormous livestock population.
With approximately 12.1 million cattle and calves at the beginning of 2026, Texas requires large quantities of forage and supplemental feed throughout the year.
During favorable growing seasons, ranchers may harvest and store hay for use during winter or periods of limited pasture growth.
Hay also becomes particularly important during droughts, when natural grasses may not provide enough nutrition for livestock.
This connection makes hay one of the most important crops in the Texas agricultural economy.
Texas Grapefruit Is Known for Its Red Flesh and Sweet Flavor
Texas has developed a strong reputation for producing red and pink grapefruit.
The state's citrus industry is particularly associated with varieties such as Ruby Red and Rio Red, which have become popular because of their colorful flesh and flavor.
The Ruby Red grapefruit was discovered in South Texas during the early twentieth century and later became an important commercial variety.
In 1993, the Texas Legislature designated the Texas red grapefruit as the official state fruit, recognizing its agricultural and economic importance.
Texas Farmers Use Advanced Technology to Grow Crops
Modern Texas crop production relies on agricultural technology to improve efficiency, manage resources, and increase productivity.
Farmers use GPS-guided tractors, automated irrigation systems, soil monitoring equipment, and precision planting technology to manage large agricultural operations.
These tools can help reduce unnecessary water use, improve fertilizer application, and monitor crop conditions.
Technological improvements are especially important in regions where drought, water availability, and changing weather patterns affect agricultural production.
Drought and Water Availability Affect Texas Crop Production
Texas farmers face significant challenges because of the state's varied climate and periodic drought conditions.
Some agricultural regions depend primarily on rainfall, while others use irrigation systems to maintain crop production.
In the High Plains, groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer has historically supported irrigated farming. Declining groundwater levels in some areas have increased concerns about long-term water availability.
As a result, farmers continue exploring more efficient irrigation methods, drought-tolerant crop varieties, and agricultural practices that conserve soil moisture.
Texas Crops Support National and International Markets
Agricultural products grown in Texas are sold throughout the United States and exported to international markets.
Sorghum is an important export crop, while corn supports domestic livestock feeding and industrial uses. Grapefruit is sold in fresh fruit markets and processed into juice and other products.
Texas benefits from major highways, railroads, and Gulf Coast ports that connect agricultural regions with buyers around the world.
These transportation networks help farmers and agricultural businesses reach markets beyond the state.
The Lasting Importance of Texas Crop Production
Texas crop production remains an essential part of the state's economy and agricultural identity. Its leadership in hay acreage, strong sorghum production, significant corn harvests, and nationally important grapefruit industry demonstrate the diversity of its farming sector.
These crops support livestock production, food manufacturing, rural employment, and agricultural exports. They also contribute to the growth of farming communities and related businesses throughout Texas.
From the grain fields of the Panhandle to the citrus orchards of the Rio Grande Valley, crop production continues to play an important role in the state's agricultural future.