Montgomery County Statistics

With a land area of 316,527 acres and contiguous with Washington, D.C. and the Potomac river, Montgomery County is often referred to as the "Bedroom of Washington."  Approximately 45 percent of farmers are full time, but over one-half of the farmland is owned by non-farmers.  With a high percentage of part-time farmers, there is a large horse population and a growing fresh produce industry that is marketed directly to the consumer.  There are 526 farms with an average size of 147 acres.  The total acres of farmland in Montgomery County is 77,266.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Nursery - $10,957,000
2. Dairy - $3,687,000
3. Soybeans - $2,717,000
4. Corn - $2,653,000
5. Cattle - $1,993,000

Total Value of All Commodities:
$28,563,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
15

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 33 properties covering 5,948 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 17 properties covering 2,852 acres
2002 Easement Purchases: 5 on 547 acres, $2.1 million

Equine Industry:
8,470 horses valued at $60,555,000 are at 2,590 locations on 17,700 acres with 4,070 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, three of eight markets reported a total of 83 market days accounting for $833,200 in sales from 55,925 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $45,725 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
4

Weights & Measures Devices Inspected:
7,869

Wineries:
2

Vineyards:
6

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 263 forms covering 93,873 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$152,911 for 52 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$120,140

Nurseries Inspected:
130

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Agricultural History Farm Park
Butler's and Lewis' Orchards
Ferrante Brothers/Nicks Sausages
Honest Tea