Kent County Statistics
Kent County is located on the northern Eastern Shore with a land area of 178,843 acres. Sixty-six percent of its generally flat topography is in agriculture. In 2000, Kent County had a population of 19,197 with many residing in the county seat of Chestertown. The county has very important and diverse agriculture, ranking second in the state for corn, fourth for wheat, and fifth for soybeans. There are 314 farms with an average size of 374 acres. The total number of acres in farmland in Kent County is 117,526.
Top Five Commodities by
Value (1997):
1. Nursery - $15,154,000
2. Poultry - $13,155,000
3. Dairy - $10,882,000
4. Corn - $7,088,000
5. Soybeans - $5,883,000
Total Value of
Commodities:
$60,957,000
County Ranking by Value
of Commodities:
9
Agricultural Land
Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 105 properties covering 19,588 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 57 properties
covering 10,467 acres
2002 Easement Purchases: 4 on 523 acres, $1.1 million
Equine Industry:
1,610 horses valued at $29,025,000 are at 170 locations on 4,000 acres with 410
people involved, excluding hired labor
Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, one market reported being open a total of 39 days accounting for
$260,000 in sales from 17,300 customer visits. Seniors and WIC clients
redeemed $4,983 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.
Certified Organic
Producers/Handlers:
7
Weights & Measures
Devices Inspected:
402
Vineyards:
2
Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 253 forms covering 93,873 acres
2002 Ag Cost Share to
Farmers:
$879,860 for 296 projects
State Funds to Soil
Conservation District 1994-2003:
$420,519
Nurseries Inspected:
22
Agribusiness/tourism
Sampler:
Eve's Cheese
Flower Moon Soaps
Grill Meister Sauces
Kent County tourism has developed a self-guided
farm tour brochure of many of the county farms. Brochure includes a map
and a brief description of the farms included on the tour. Brochures are
available at the Kent County tourism/welcome center in Chestertown.