Diversifying into crops for different markets helps offset commodity price swings. A corn grower's profits are linked to the demand for livestock feed, but a producer who also raises a food crop such as buckwheat, or an industrial oilseed such as crambe, could better survive low demand for feed grains. For some specialty crops, such as fruits, vegetables, ornamentals or nut crops, income per acre can rise dramatically, although they usually require more intensive labor. Potential gross income could be higher for the alternative crop, or the production cost may be lower. Post-harvest transportation of alternative crops to more distant markets, however, may cost more.
Diversification can reduce risk from crop-damaging weather conditions or pest outbreaks.
That same year, many farmers could not plant soybeans in their wet fields, but some were able to plant buckwheat in early August after the rains ended. The buckwheat grew fast enough in 10 weeks for fall harvest. Kupers, the Washington grain grower, grows wheat or barley, follows with a legume or canola, then raises a warm-season grass such as millet. He aims to create a new rotation that includes three crops rather than relying on just winter wheat in a no-till system. While he is still researching his options, Kupers already has seen a 10 to 12 percent increase in profits over two years.