Carroll County Statistics

With 287,458 acres Carroll is the 9th largest county in the state.  Over 54 percent of the land area is devoted to farm uses.  Carroll County has a strong and diverse grain and livestock agriculture.  It ranked third in the state for milk production in 2001 and is a leading table egg producer.  Fruit and vegetable production is rising due to more metropolitan markets, as well as the increasing value of county land.  There are 1,041 farms with an average size of 154 acres.  The total acres of farmland in Carroll County is 160,180.

Top Five Commodities by Value:
1. Dairy - $21,656,000
2. Poultry - $12,261,000
3. Cattle - $8,106,000
4. Nursery - $6,813,000
5. Corn - $5,060,000

Total Value of All Commodities:
$71,272,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
7

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 423 properties covering 50,631 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Programs: 293 properties covering 36,164 acres
2002 Easement Purchases: 19 on 1,736 acres, $5.1 million

Equine Industry:
5,730 horses valued at $31,735,000 are at 1,290 locations on 14,700 acres with 2,430 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, three markets reported being open a total of 52 days accounting for $247,960 in sales from 10,085 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $9,042 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
3

Weighing/Measuring Devices Inspected:
1,933

Wineries:
4

Vineyards:
11

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 507 forms covering 93,142 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$827,028 for 290 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$226,799

Nurseries Inspected:
11

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Baugher Enterprises
Carroll County Farm Museum
Jill's Jams and Jellies