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While West Virginia’s rugged terrain limits extensive agricultural production compared to some other states, it still has important primary crops. Based on recent data and reports, the primary crops in West Virginia include:
* Hay: This is consistently the number one crop in terms of acreage and is crucial for feeding the state’s significant livestock population.
* Corn: Primarily grown for grain and silage, corn is an important feed crop for livestock. The Eastern Panhandle and Ohio Valley regions are key corn-producing areas.
* Soybeans: Grown mainly for the cash market, soybean production is concentrated in the Eastern Panhandle and the Ohio Valley.
* Apples: West Virginia ranks among the top apple-producing states in the US, with fruit production being a significant part of the agricultural sector.
* Peaches: While not as significant as apples, peaches are also grown commercially in the state.
Other crops of note in West Virginia include:
* Tobacco: Primarily burley tobacco, grown in a few southwestern counties, has historically been an important cash crop, although its significance has decreased over time.
* Wheat, Oats, and Barley: While production has declined over the last century, these small grains are still grown on some individual farms.
* Various Fruits and Vegetables: Smaller-scale production of items like pumpkins, beans, potatoes, and garden vegetables occurs throughout the state, often for local markets and home consumption.
It’s important to remember that while crops are significant, livestock and poultry dominate West Virginia’s agricultural revenue. The top agricultural commodities in terms of cash receipts are typically broilers (young chickens), cattle and calves, turkeys, chicken eggs, and hay.

Video courtesy of Eurex

Video courtesy of Eurex