Allegany County Statistics

Allegany County's 272,460 acres are mountainous and picturesque with elevations ranging from less than 600 to nearly 3,000 feet.  Farms dot its mountains and narrow valleys.  The ruggedness of the terrain dictates a pastoral agriculture and livestock production, principally beef cattle, is the major farm enterprise.  There are 238 farms with an average size of 179 acres.  The total number of farm acres in Allegany County is 41,928.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Cattle - $1,096,000
2. Dairy - $961,000
3. Hay - $315,000
4. Vegetables - $99,000
5. Corn - $95,000

Total Value of All Commodities:
$3,322,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
23

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 6 properties covering 1,008 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 1 property covering 183 acres

Equine Industry:
270 horses valued at $685,000 are at 120 locations on 1,300 acres with 240 people involved, excluding hired labor.

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, four markets reported a total of 74 market days accounting for $223,000 in sales and 28,500 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $18,333 Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
4

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 164 forms covering 15,406 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$142,073 for 45 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$406,679

Nurseries Inspected:
3

Weighing/Measuring Devices Inspected:
896

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
S & S Maple Camp
Potomac Farms Dairy