Howard County Statistics

Howard County  is the second smallest county in the state having a total land area of 161,394 acres of which approximately 25 percent is land in farms.  Agricultural sales are among the top five industries in the county.  Important commodities include horticulture, dairy, livestock, corn, small grains, hay, tree fruits, small fruits and vegetables. Pick-your-own operations, roadside stands and on-the-farm markets are valuable sales outlets for some commodities.  There are 318 farms with an average size of 125 acres.  The total acres of farmland in Howard County is 39,846.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Nursery - $8,664,000
2. Dairy - $3,257,000
3. Cattle - $1,356,000
4. Corn - $1,072,000
5. Wheat - $425,000

Total Value of Commodities:
$19610,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
18

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 50 properties covering 6,242 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 28 properties covering 3,968
2002 Easement Purchases: 1 on 15 acres, $116,519

Equine Industry:
5,190 horses valued at $61,265,000 are at 1,200 locations on 11,200 acres with 2,280 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, two markets reported a total of 51 market days accounting for $188,800 in sales from 14,400 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $6,234 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
8

Weights & Measures Devices Inspected:
2,585

Vineyards:
4

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 141 forms covering 18,118 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$62,649 for 41 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$517,767

Nurseries Inspected:
50

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Nixon's Farm
Larriland Farm
Jack and Jill Ice Cream
Washington Quality Foods
Clark's Elioak Farm