Crop and Enterprise Guides

What each enterprise involves, what to check on a property before you buy for it, and the equipment, buildings and local help it usually needs. Growing dates and varieties depend on your region, so the guides point you to your state Extension service instead of printing one calendar for the whole country.

For crops commonly discussed in a specific county, use Explore your area.

In editorial review

These guides are written and waiting for editorial and specialist review. We do not publish agronomic or technical guidance before it is reviewed.

  • Berries: Strawberries, Blueberries and Brambles How to judge land for strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries: chilling, soil pH, irrigation, frost and protected culture.
  • Corn, Soybeans and Small Grains: Evaluating Cropland How to judge cropland for corn, soybeans, wheat and other small grains: drainage, water, rotation, machinery, storage, markets and custom hire.
  • Grapes and Vineyards: Site, Climate and Commitment What to check before buying land for a vineyard: winter cold, frost, air drainage, soil, variety type, disease pressure, labor and the winery question.
  • Hay and Forage Production What making hay and growing forage involves, what to check on a property before buying for it, how climate and water shape the options, and who to ask locally.
  • Horse Properties: Pasture, Fencing, Barns, Arenas and Manure What to check on a horse property: pasture and dry lot, fencing, barn ventilation, arena drainage, manure, water, and nearby veterinary and farrier support.
  • Market Vegetables: What to Check Before Buying Land What a market vegetable farm involves, and how to judge soil, water, frost, buildings, labor and market distance before you buy land for it.
  • Orchard Fruit: Apples, Peaches and Other Tree Fruit How to judge land for apples, peaches and other tree fruit: chilling hours, winter cold, frost pockets, slope, rootstocks, years to bearing and pollination.
  • Pasture and Grazing Livestock: Beef Cattle, Sheep and Goats What raising beef cattle, sheep or goats on pasture involves, what to check on a property before buying, and how to get a locally reviewed grazing plan rather than a rule of thumb.