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<br />questions can be modified over years to make year-by-year comparisons complicated. The
<br />following table provides a numerical glimpse into the transition. For long-time residents the
<br />transition has been visible; the rural landscape has changed.
<br />Comparison of Gross Farm Value of Agricultural Commodities
<br />Produced in Orange County in 1986 and 1996 and 2005
<br />(Source: Census of Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture)
<br />Milk and Dairy Cattle $11,163,400 $9,124,112 $5,785,000
<br />obacco-Flue-Cured $4,334,034 $7,654,629 $1,395,180
<br />Corn $3,500 $78,200 $241,500
<br />Soybeans $421,950 $201,000 $572,795
<br />Small Grains ~ $69,195 $56,200 $25,915
<br />Potatoes $32,700
<br />Fruits and Vegetables $51,400 $266,248 $1,209,382
<br />Greenhouse & Nursery $1,125,000 $5,310,000 $11,080,000
<br />Hay & other crops $126,585 $329,000 $350,000
<br />Farm Forestry ~ $539,860 $2,091,450 $5,474,000
<br />Hogs $1,348,751 $640,800 $195,600
<br />Beef Cattle $1,965,000 $2,293,950 $6,671,710
<br />Poultry & Eggs $2,501,800 $5,699,248 $5,444,000
<br />Horses ~ $546,700 $1,041,900 $2,123,900
<br />Other $336,463 $80,901 $217,640
<br />Miscellaneous $5,300
<br />TOTAL GROSS INCOME $24,534,491 $34,867,638 $46,610,622
<br />Farmers are also pursuing new ways to market
<br />their goods, such as farmers markets,
<br />community supported agriculture (CSA)
<br />programs, individual farm stands and pick-your-
<br />own operations. These types of businesses
<br />serve the niche market created from the
<br />growing number of suburban consumers
<br />interested in a farm connection--supporting
<br />local farm operations and buying local products.
<br />Local farmers have also found success in
<br />agritourism programs such as the annual
<br />Piedmont Farm Tour organized by the Carolina
<br />Farm Stewardship Association.
<br />Draft 6/1/2009
<br />Overview of Agricultural Activity
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