Thinking Beyond Corn and Cattle: 7 Specialty Crops That Can Boost Farm Income

For generations, corn and cattle have been the backbone of many family farms and ranchers across the United States. But as climate change, input costs, and market prices fluctuate, many growers are now rethinking their approach to agricultural production. One key strategy? Diversification through specialty crops.

Specialty crops can offer higher prices, better margins, and more sustainable practices. They can also help support soil health, attract pollinators, and open new doors in local food systems like CSA programs and farmers markets. Whether you’re running a small farm, a small business, or looking to add a different crop to your on-farm mix, these high-value options are worth a second look.

Let’s explore seven specialty crops that can help boost farm income, along with how FarmRaise can help you plan, apply for funding, and thrive in this changing agricultural industry.

1. Lavender: The Scent of Success

Lavender isn’t just a pretty plant—it’s a powerhouse when it comes to value-added products. You can sell dried bundles, essential oils, soaps, and even lavender-based snacks.

Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and sunny locations. It requires minimal water, which is helpful in dry areas facing natural resource shortages. Because it's a perennial, it cuts down on annual labor costs and farm equipment needs. Plus, it supports pollinators and is popular at farmers markets.

FarmRaise Tip: Use our Farm Funding Library to find USDA programs and grants for high-value crops like lavender. Our tool also helps track application deadlines so you never miss out.

2. Mushrooms: Farming in the Shade

Small-scale mushroom farming is gaining traction across the U.S., especially in urban and shaded rural settings. Mushrooms like oyster and shiitake grow in controlled environments, reducing dependency on weather fluctuations.

Because they’re grown indoors, mushrooms help reduce pesticide and herbicide use and are considered a sustainable choice. They also command higher prices at restaurants, CSAs, and specialty grocers.

In recent years, the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service  has reported a steady rise in mushroom production across the country.

3. Canola: The Overlooked Oilseed

Canola may not be the first crop that comes to mind, but it’s an excellent row crop alternative to soybeans. It’s gaining popularity in states like Nebraska, where crop rotation with canola has been shown to reduce pests and improve soil health.

It’s a source of high-value oil and feed, and the USDA offers crop insurance options for canola in many states. Canola is also a great fit for growers practicing sustainable agriculture.

FarmRaise tip: Use our USDA application assistance tools to check your eligibility for crop insurance or subsidies for new crop trials.

4. Hops: A Crafty Opportunity

The rise of the craft beer movement has created a booming market for American-grown hops. While they do require trellises and initial investment, hops offer significant profit potential on just a few acres of land.

They grow best in regions with long summer days and cool nights—making the Midwest and Pacific Northwest ideal. But with the right infrastructure, even small farms in other areas can profit from this high-value crop.

5. Chickpeas: A Legume with Leverage

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are part of the legumes family, meaning they help fix nitrogen in the soil—a major win for sustainability and crop production. They’re drought-tolerant and align well with other row crops in rotation, like wheat and corn.

As more Americans seek plant-based protein, chickpeas are in demand for products like hummus, pasta, and snacks. They also require fewer pesticides and inputs compared to other protein sources.

6. Cut Flowers: Beauty Meets Business

Cut flowers are one of the fastest-growing segments in agricultural production. Whether it’s sunflowers, zinnias, or dahlias, these blooms can be a reliable source of income, especially when sold locally through CSAs or weddings.

Flowers are also great for organic farming and attract vital pollinators, improving nearby crop production. Many growers use crop rotation with flowers to restore the land between major growing seasons.

FarmRaise tip: Our tools help you track and manage seasonal cash flow, helping you plan your planting and harvests for maximum returns.

7. Specialty Grains: A New Take on Old Staples

Grains like spelt, emmer, and heritage wheat are finding their way back into food systems due to their health benefits and unique flavor profiles. These grains fetch higher prices and can help you enter niche markets.

They’re also more resilient in the face of climate change and help improve soil health through deep root systems. With increasing demand from artisan bakeries and health-conscious consumers, these specialty crops offer both profit and purpose.

FarmRaise tip: Browse available USDA.gov grant programs and learn how tariffs, interest rates, and subsidies may affect your pricing with our Farm News Alerts.

Why Diversification Works

Adding different crops to your operation reduces risk, especially during uncertain economic conditions. Specialty crops can offset losses in commodity markets, protect against input cost spikes, and help you build a sustainable agriculture business.

According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, farms that practice diversification tend to show better long-term stability and resilience. And with crop insurance, conservation initiatives, and grants available, trying out a new source of income has never been more accessible.

How FarmRaise Can Help You Grow

At FarmRaise, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of agribusiness, USDA paperwork, and crop planning with tools designed for busy growers like you.

Here’s how we support your journey:

• Farm Funding Library: Search for USDA programs tailored to your farm production goals, including specialty and value-added crops.
• Application Assistance: Simplify complex USDA paperwork like EQIP, CSP, or FSA loans.
• Budgeting Tools: Model the cost of planting a new crop, including input costs, labor costs, and potential profit.
• News Alerts: Stay informed about changes in subsidies, tariffs, or crop insurance.
• Input Financing: Access early-season capital for seeds, irrigation, or farm equipment.

Final Thoughts

The agricultural industry is changing—fast. But with the right mix of specialty crops, tools, and planning, your farm business can grow in new and profitable directions.

Whether you’re in Nebraska or North Carolina, a family farm or small business, now’s the time to think beyond corn and cattle. Your next opportunity may already be in the soil—waiting to bloom.

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