Echinacea as a Tobacco Crop Alternative
Tobacco farmers in Wisconsin have been losing base acreage and income in recent years. Because Echinacea and tobacco production share many similarities, Echinacea has been suggested as an alternative crop for tobacco farmers. Making $3,766 per acre with Angustifolia Echinacea looks better than any corn or soybean budget. But there are risks to consider, mainly from price fluctuation, marketing strategies and organic farming practices. Growing Echinacea requires a lot of labor and capital investment before any returns are seen.