Dorchester County Statistics

Agriculture provides the major economic base for the county with the greatest percentage of land devoted to field crops, much of which goes to provide feed for the shore's livestock industry. Many vegetable growers sell their large volume of produce through auction blocks, wholesale markets or processing plants.  Smaller fresh market operations sell at local road side stands or the Cambridge farmers' market.  Because of its proximity to the bay and rivers, Dorchester also has a strong seafood industry.  There are 297 farms with an average size of 414 acres.  The total acres of farmland in Dorchester County is 122,928.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Poultry - $47,074,000
2. Soybeans - $12,874,000
3. Vegetables - $7,032,000
4. Corn - $6,944,000
5. Wheat - $3,588,000

Total Value of Commodities:
$82,391,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
6

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 107 properties covering 15,918 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 37 properties covering 6,475 acres
2002 Easements Purchases: 21 on 2,874 acres, $2.6 million

Equine Industry:
460 horses valued at $5,280,000 are at 160 locations on 1,200 acres with 240 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, one market reported being open a total of 48 days accounting for $70,250 in sales from 7,025 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $6,788 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
1

Weights & Measures Inspected:
735

Vineyards:
1

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 230 forms covering 80,494 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$873,474 for 286 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$598,842

Nurseries Inspected:
13

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Bloch & Guggenheimer (B & G Pickles)
Brooks Barrel Co.