Calvert County Statistics

With a population of almost 74,563, Calvert is the fastest growing county in Maryland.  Farms are generally very small and often combine with non-farm income.  Corn, soybeans and tobacco occupy much of the farmland.  Small-scale fruit and vegetable production for local marketing, beef herds, feeder pigs and market hogs are important enterprises on some farms.  There are 349 farms with an average size of 96 acres.  The total number of farm acres in Calvert County is 33,450.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Tobacco - $3,385,000
2. Corn - $951,000
3. Vegetables - $822,000
4. Wheat - $368,000
5. Cattle - $283,000

Total Value of All Commodities:
$7,704,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
22

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 55 properties covering 6,842 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 33 properties covering 4,262 acres
2002 Easements Purchases: 2 on 122 acres, $1.2 million

Equine Industry:
1,510 horses valued at $9,980,000 are at 420 locations on 3,500 acres with 750 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, one market was open 76 days and accounted for $100,000 in sales from 10,250 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $13,499 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
2

Weighing/Measuring Devices Inspected:
888

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 132 forms covering 12,471 acres.

Vineyards:
4

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$102,987 for 30 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$642,010

Nurseries Inspected:
18

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum
Pond Fishing at Hutchins Pond
Poplar's Farm