The valley floor contains some of the state's most productive irrigated farms. The period of 1880 to 1890 was an important time for Cache Valley. During that period the first hydro-electric plant, the first telephone exchange, the first bank was organized, the first creamery, the first purebred dairy, the courthouse completed, the LDS temple completed and dedicated, Utah State Agricultural College established and the Thatcher Opera House opened. All of those developments had a great influence on the future growth of the valley. Today Utah State University is the largest employer in the county.
Agriculture is a major contributor to the economy of the county.
Several cheese plants and one of the nations largest meat packing plants provide a market for the dairy industry which is the largest of any county in the state. High technology and exercise equipment firms are providing employment opportunities and contributing to the county economy. Many of these companies are spin-offs from Utah State University research projects.