2008 Crop Report: Ag production reaches all-time high again

2008 Crop Report: Ag production reaches all-time high again

Increasingly favorable commodity prices helped set an all-time high for agricultural production in Solano County for the second year in a row.

The gross value of the more than 80 crops was $292.8 million in 2008, up almost $25 million, or 9 percent from the previous year, according to the Solano County Crop and Livestock Report released May 28.

“While the gross value is a record high, it does not reflect the total contribution of agriculture. Transportation, processing, marketing and other farm-related services re-spend agricultural dollars to the benefit of the local economy and pushes that number even higher,” said Solano County Agricultural Commissioner Jim Allan.

Nursery products remained the No. 1 crop at $43 million; however, its value plummeted 24 percent from its all-time high of $56.6 million in 2007.

“The nursery industry was hit hard by the economy, with fewer housing starts lowering demand for ornamental plants. However, nursery products remain a significant aspect of Solano County’s agricultural efforts,” Allan said.

Values increased in nearly all field crops due to favorable commodity prices, overcoming lower yields related to drought conditions. Field crops were valued at $89.4 million, up 63 percent from $54.8 million in 2007. Alfalfa and processing tomatoes experienced both higher commodity prices and increased yields.

An added element of the Crop Report focuses on the international trade. Thirty-seven commodities, including endive, grapes, tomatoes and hay, are exported to 45 countries across six continents.

Solano County Top 10 Crops

2008 2007 % Change

Nursery Products
$43,056,300 $56,610,700 -24%

Alfalfa
$42,889,900 $24,679,900 74%

Tomatoes, Processing
$29,850,600 $23,955,200 25%

Cattle & Calves
$23,321,100 $23,273,200 0%

Walnuts
$19,948,100 $21,955,300 -9%

Milk, Market
$16,437,000 $17,022,200 -3%

Grapes, Wine
$11,064,700 $8,095,000 37%

Wheat, Irrigated
$8,335,200 $5,338,800 56%

Sunflower Seed, Certified
$8,224,200 $5,117,000 61%

Corn, Field
$8,081,600 $6,761,100 20%

Posted: May 28, 2009