Traditionally the Palouse region was defined as the fertile hills and prairies north of the Snake River.

Once a prairie composed of mid-length perennial grasses, today virtually all of the Palouse Prairie is planted in agricultural crops.

The Palouse is a major wheat-producing agricultural area along with canola, peas,& lentils. Palouse farmers produce approximately 6000 million pounds of dry peas and lentils annually.