Worcester County Statistics

Worcester County is the eastern-most county on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the only one bordering the Atlantic Ocean.  The 2000 population was 46,543, which increases dramatically during the summer tourist season.  The economy of the county is, to a large percent, dependent upon the agriculture industry.  The county covers an area of 302,879 acres of which 37 percents is classified as farmland.  By far the greatest contributor to agriculture is the poultry industry.  The county accounts for about 20 percent of chickens sold in the state.  There are 415 farms with an average size of 269 acres.  The total number of farmland acres in Worcester County is 111,835.

Top Five Commodities by Value (1997):
1. Poultry - $119,348,000
2. Corn - $12,663,000
3. Soybeans - $8,120,000
4. Wheat - $2,019,000
5. Hogs - $1,058,000

Total Value of Commodities:
$147,553,000

County Ranking by Value of Commodities:
2

Agricultural Land Preservation Programs:
County Districts: 45 properties covering 6,444 acres
Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation Easements: 25 properties covering 3,653 acres
2002 Easement Purchases: 6 on 342 acres, $257,638

Equine Industry:
960 horses valued at $5,995,000 are at 180 locations on 2,200 acres with 330 people involved, excluding hired labor

Farmers' Markets:
In 2002, two markets reported a total of 120 market days accounting for $130,000 in sales from 13,075 customer visits.  Seniors and WIC clients redeemed $3,354 in Farmers' Market Nutrition Program coupons.

Certified Organic Producers/Handlers:
1

Weights & Measures Devices Inspected:
1,194

Nutrient Management:
Plan Compliance on 1/31/03 was 298 forms covering 84,681 acres

2002 Ag Cost Share to Farmers:
$622,600 for 204 projects

State Funds to Soil Conservation District 1994-2003:
$241,465

Nurseries Inspected:
8

Agribusiness/tourism Sampler:
Outback Medic Emu products
Mid-Atlantic Foods