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Here in Arizona, we are blessed with a long growing season and weather that supports our amazing Agriculture industry.  Our farmers and ranchers work hard to provide a healthy local food source that both sustains the population and boosts the state economy.   Arizona agriculture is a $10.3B industry that employs more than 60,000 people and creates a valuable exportable commodity which currently exports more than it imports.  Arizona farmers and ranchers produce a very diverse mix of crops and livestock.

The primary commodities behind the statistics range from cotton used in textiles like fabric to dairy cows that produce milk.  Here are a list of the top commodities produced by the ranchers and farmers of Arizona and how they contribute to the local economy and a healthy lifestyle.  Look for these locally grown produce, meat, eggs and dairy on your grocer’s shelves and in the bins at the farmer’s market.  You can also check out the Top Commodities graphic provided by the Arizona Farm Bureau.

Alfalfa

• Contributes $168M
• Great Source of Vitamin D
• Use it in Avocado with Alfalfa

Broccoli

• Contributes – $43M
• In Season October –March
• Great Source of Vitamins C and K
• Use it in Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

Cantaloupe  

• Contributes – $97M
• In Season October –March
• Great Source of  Vitamin A and C
• Use it in Melon-Cucumber Salad

Cauliflower

• Contributes – $33M
• In Season October –March
• Great Source of
• Use it in Cream of Cauliflower

Cotton

• Contributes – $203M
• In Season October –March
• Used in textiles

Cow/Calf

• Contributes – $638M
• Great Source of Protein
• Use it in Marinated Beef Tips

Dairy

• Contributes – $658M
• Great Source of Calcium and Vitamin D
• Use it in Boss’s Baked French Toast

Grains

• Contributes – $90M
• Use Oats in Apple Crisp

Head Lettuce

• Contributes – $324M
• In Season October –May
• Great Source of Vitamin K
• Use it in Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Leaf Lettuce

• Contributes – $94M
• In Season October –May
• Great Source of Vitamin K
• Use it in Green Salad

Lemons

• Contributes – $34M
• In Season Dec – May
• Great Source of Vitamin C
• Use it in Lemon Rosemary Lamb Chops

Pecans

• Contributes – $62M
• Harvest in October – December
• Great Source of Thiamine, Manganese, Zinc
• Use it in Seven Layer Bars

Pigs

• Contributes – $53M
• Great Source of Protein
• Use it in Pepper and Pineapple Pork  Stew

Romaine Lettuce

• Contributes – $190M
• In Season October –May
• Great Source of Vitamin A, Folate, Vitamin C
• Use it in Grilled Romaine with Creamy Balsamic Vinaigrette

Spinach

• Contributes – $45M
• In Season October –May
• Great Source of  Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Beta-Carotene
• Use it in Fennel Spinach Pasta

Watermelon

• Contributes – $29M
• In Season July – August
• Use it in Watermelon Summer Salad

Related articles

• Farmers, Ranchers Contribute to Needy Families Across America (fillyourplate.org)
• Arizona Farmers Reach Out to Consumers during Food Check-Out Week (fillyourplate.org)
• Look Who’s Talking Now: Farmers (fillyourplate.org)