Garrett County Statistics

Garrett County   is the western most county in the state and has an average elevation of 2,500 feet.  The county population of 29,846 swells with seasonal tourists.  Garrett is basically a dairy and livestock area because of the climate, growing season, soil type and topography.  It presently ranks fifth in the state in dairy production with the bulk of milk finding a Pennsylvania market.  Maple syrup production is still a unique industry of the county, with 10 to 15 sugar bushes still operating.  There are 649 farms with and average size of 166 acres.  The total acres of farmland in Garrett County is 107,695.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Dairy - $11,464,000
2. Cattle - $6,018,000
3. Hay - $1,057,000
4. Poultry - $745,000
5. Corn - $486,000

Total Value of Commodities:
$20,997,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
17

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 54 properties covering 7,453 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 34 properties covering 4,764 acres
2002 Easement Purchases: 3 on 386 acres, $486,157

Equine Industry:
1,410 horses valued at $2,900,000 are at 370 locations on 3,400 acres with 820 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, two markets reported a total of 26 market days accounting for $93,000 in sales from 4,800 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $11,754 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
1

Weights & Measures Devices Inspected:
709

Wineries:
1

Vineyards:
2

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 332 forms covering 44,967 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$242,421 for 15 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$341,938

Nurseries Inspected:
17

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Yoders, Inc.
Cove Run Farm Corn Maze
Deep Creek Cellars-Wine