Placer County's agricultural scene is booming, with the 2024 total gross value of crops and livestock hitting a record $111 million—a nearly 24% leap from the year before. The stunning numbers were unveiled in the 2024 Agricultural Crop Production Report, delivered to the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. The figures reflect the gross value, which is important to note, as it doesn't speak to net income or the actual profits that farmers take home.
The top contributor to this uptick was the county's cattle, valued at $27.6 million and rising to the forefront of the county's agricultural products, in part due to generally rising livestock prices. Almond and walnut prices also bounced back significantly, with almonds raking in $13.7 million and walnuts close behind at $13.1 million. This nutty success is attributed to improved weather conditions and a lift in the market prices.
Josh Huntsinger, Placer County's agricultural commissioner, attributed the historic achievements to the "strength and adaptability" of the region's agriculture. According to the Placer County report, other notable mentions include poultry, holding its own at $12.8 million with an assist from higher prices linked to avian influenza outbreaks in other areas, mandarins making a comeback, and rice, although still a significant crop at $12 million, dropping to fifth place due to less acreage and water delivery complications.
The comprehensive annual report doesn't just stop at crop values; it stretches to cover a gamut of topics from farmers' markets and organic products to the efforts made for pest exclusion and noxious weed management. Those interested in diving deeper into the details can reach out to the Agricultural Commissioner's Office at 530-889-7372 or decidedly to visit their website for a full rundown.
