Agenda - 05-06-1998 - 10b - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Next Several Years: Continued decline in the number of dairy farms. Due to low milk prices and inability to economically comply with environmental regulations. Five producers indicate the may sell out by the end of this year. - Continued slow growth in the nursery, greenhouse, ornamental, and landscape sectors due to increasing population of the region. - Number of horse farms will stay steady or slowly increase with an increasing urban population. - Small increase in the number of small fruit and vegetable growers, particularly organic growers. There will be some attempts by traditional agriculture producers to diversify into this area. - Tobacco production is dependent upon government action. - There will be a slow decline in the number of beef cattle producers due to retirement and high land values. - Timber harvesting and forestry will continue to be a viable alternative source of income. - Increase in hay production by former dairy and tobacco producers. I - The amount of farmland in production will continue to decline slowly, primarily being developed versus being left fallow. - Environmental regulation will continue to be a factor for farmers remaining in business. Implementation of the Neuse River Nutrient Management Plan is one example. This plan and other environmental concerns will probably result in farms needing to further monitor' and limit the amount of fertilizers and pesticides used to produce crops. This may not necessarily negatively effect farm production and income, but will add to the pressures associated with trying to remain a viable agricultural producer in a rapidly changing area'_, Prepared by: Royce Hardin, Agricultural Extension Agent NC Cooperative Extension Service - Orange County Center For Orange County Agricutural Districts Advisory Board September 17, 1997 6