Yuma's agricultural life is the mainstay of the economy. Yuma provides 90 percent of the nation's winter lettuce crop and nine out of 10 people are eating Yuma's lettuce all year long. Biotechnological advances to Yuma's agricultural industry generates almost $1 billion in gross income annually; with  lettuce as the principal vegetable crop, grossing 83 percent of the vegetable income.

Citrus is also a big crop, grossing almost $45 million in 2004, with lemons as the major crop. Grain, hay and cotton are the principal field crops produced in the region, with all field crops grossing almost $83.5 million. Yuma seed crops grossed $8 million. Gross income from livestock was  valued at more than $134.5 million.