Agriculture

Agriculture is a major part of Washington’s economy. According to the Washington Department of Agriculture, agriculture in Washington is a $40 billion industry and exported $13 billion of products in 2010, making Washington the third largest exporter of food and agricultural products in the United States.

From the Washington Department of Agriculture (click image to enlarge)

The major agricultural products grown in the shrub-steppe region are wheat, cattle, potatoes, and hay. All of these products require large areas and can be grown under dry conditions. The majority of the farming done in this area uses a technique called Dryland Farming. This technique calls for capturing and conserving moisture, effective use of available moisture, soil conservation, and control of input costs. Since rainfall is not all too common in Eastern Washington, this technique of conserving and effectively using the available moisture is a very popular practice.