According to the most recent US Census of Agriculture, Wyoming is home to the largest average farm and ranch sizes in the country, K2 Radio reports.
With each farm spanning an average of 2,430 acres, the state’s operations are more than five times larger than the national average, underscoring Wyoming’s prominence in the American agricultural landscape.
In addition to land size, Wyoming also leads the nation in wool production. In 2017, 859 farms and ranches collectively sheared nearly 2.8 million pounds of wool, securing the state’s top ranking. Laramie County alone ranked eighth nationwide in the market value of sheep, goat, wool, mohair, and milk products sold.
Cattle and hay production dominate Wyoming’s agricultural economy. Of the state’s more than 12,200 farms, cattle and calves account for 65% of all agricultural product sales. Approximately 1.25 million head of cattle are raised annually, and 940,000 acres of hay are harvested each year.
Family ownership remains central to Wyoming’s agricultural identity, with 94% of farms held by families. Additionally, 80% of farms report having internet access, a vital tool for modern farm management and market connection. Encouragingly, data from the 2017 census show a growing number of young producers—age 35 and under—are entering the industry.
The state’s agricultural sector continues to see positive financial trends. Net farm income rose by 13%, averaging $22,314 per farm. Agribusiness and recreational income have also seen substantial growth, more than doubling since 2012 and positioning Wyoming sixth in the nation in that category. In 2021, the University of Wyoming estimated that agriculture contributed $2.526 billion to the state’s economy.
Looking ahead, Wyoming’s agriculture industry faces both opportunities and challenges. While the state excels in livestock and wool, expanding crop production remains difficult due to factors such as drought, soil limitations, and market isolation. To address these barriers, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture is supporting producers through its Specialty Crop Program. This initiative promotes the cultivation of crops that are better suited to Wyoming’s climate, including ancient grains like farro and spelt.
The University of Wyoming’s Agricultural Extension Service plays a key role in this evolution, conducting research on crop viability and assisting in community-based food initiatives. Some of the crops developed through this research are donated to the Food Bank of Wyoming, strengthening local food systems.
