Talbot County Statistics

With 602 miles of waterfront, Talbot County is believed to have the longest shoreline of any county in the continental United States.  With 109,572 acres classified as land in farms, cash grain soybeans, corn and winter small grains are the main crops.  Broiler production also contributes significantly to agricultural income.  Seafood industry is second only to agriculture as the county's economic base.  Recreational activities such as hunting, fishing and boating attract many visitors to the county each year.  There are 240 farms with an average size of 457 acres.  The total number of farmland acres in Talbot County is 109,572.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Poultry - $21,095,000
2. Soybeans - $9,066,000
3. Corn - $7,815,000
4. Wheat - $4,187,000
Dairy - $2,459,000

Total Value of Commodities:
$48,530,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
13

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 95 properties covering 14,116 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 48 properties covering 8,142 acres
2002 Easement Purchases: 6 on 877 acres, $1.8 million

Equine Industry:
1,930 horses valued at $8,375,000 are at 700 locations on 4,200 acres with 1,600 people involved, excluding hire labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, one of two markets reported a total of 26 market days accounting for $67,300 in sales from 3,500 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $10,924 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
3
Weights & Measures Devices Inspected:
776
Wineries:
1
Vineyards:
5

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 158 forms covering 80,860 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$445,793 for 167 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation Districts 1994-2003:
$276,330

Nurseries Inspected:
24

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Little Ashby Vineyards
Harrison Oyster Co.
Sea Watch International