How Yuma became an agricultural powerhouse
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Yuma is known across the country for producing fresh vegetables, but the region's agricultural success is the result of decades of change, adaptation and innovation.
In this week's Home Grown Report, we take a closer look at how Yuma became a major producer of winter vegetables, and why agriculture remains a critical part of the local economy.
About one in six jobs in Yuma County is connected to agriculture, either directly on the farm or through businesses that support the industry.
But the crops grown in the region today look much different than they did decades ago.
From Citrus to Specialty Crops
Citrus, alfalfa and cotton once made up a much larger share of Arizona's agricultural landscape.
As urban development expanded in Maricopa County and reduced the amount of available farmland, agricultural production began shifting toward Yuma County.
That helped fuel the growth of lettuce and other high-value specialty crops.
Today, Yuma is widely recognized as one of the country's leading winter vegetable-producing regions.
Rotating Crops to Make the Most of the Desert
Yuma's agricultural system isn't built around just one crop.
Farmers also grow crops such as durum wheat, a high-gluten variety commonly used to make pasta.
Researchers say rotating winter vegetables with crops such as wheat can provide benefits for both soil productivity and water use.
Dari Duval, an Extension Economist with the University of Arizona, says combining high-value winter vegetables with winter wheat can benefit the soil while making more efficient use of water.
"When you couple that high-value winter vegetable production with winter wheat production, it provides benefits to the soil, supports productivity, but also is a more efficient use of water," Duval said.
For farmers working in the desert, making the most of available water and farmland is critical.
From Yuma Fields to Tables Across the Country
The impact of Yuma agriculture extends far beyond the fields.
Once crops are harvested, much of the region's produce moves quickly to cooling facilities before being packaged and shipped across the country.
That rapid process helps preserve the freshness of highly perishable vegetables and keeps Yuma produce moving to grocery stores and restaurants nationwide.
The agricultural industry also supports a much larger network of businesses, including transportation, equipment, cooling, packaging and other services.
From the people working the fields to the businesses moving produce across the country, agriculture remains one of Yuma County's most important economic drivers.
And as researchers and farmers continue looking for ways to improve soil health and use water more efficiently, Yuma's agricultural story continues to evolve.
What started as farming in the desert has grown into an industry that helps feed the nation.
