The Hohokam people were known for their extensive irrigation systems, which allowed them to produce abundant crops of maize, beans, and squash. They stored their surplus crops in granaries for future use, and also traded extra crops with other groups in the region. The Hohokam were skilled traders and had a wide network of trade routes, reaching as far as present-day Mexico and the American Southwest. They traded their surplus crops for a variety of goods, including pottery, turquoise, and other items. Trading allowed the Hohokam to acquire resources that were not available in their own region, and also helped to establish important alliances with other groups.