Stanislaus board will get 2014 crop report

Stanislaus County will release its 2014 crop report Tuesday morning, a detailed gauge of the farm products at the foundation of its economy.

The report from Agricultural Commissioner Milton O’Haire to the Board of Supervisors could very well top the record $3.66 billion in gross income in 2013. Prices were strong in 2014 for almonds, milk and walnuts – the top three products a year earlier – and that could make up for possible volume losses to the drought.

Milk had been the county’s top-grossing product since at least 1940, but almonds wrested the crown in 2013. The top 10 also included walnuts, beef cattle, chickens, silage, deciduous nurseries, tomatoes, grapes and almond hulls. The silage and hulls are dairy feeds.

The report, required under state law, shows only gross income, not the cost of producing the crops and livestock. It also does not trace how this income ripples through the local economy – to processors, tractor dealers and many more businesses.

The report lists volume and average prices for dozens of products. Some – such as peaches, eggs and dry beans – have long been sizable parts of local ag. Others are niches, such as herbs, beeswax and firewood.

Stanislaus was No. 6 among California counties in the 2013 reports. Tulare led the way, followed by Kern, Fresno, Monterey and Merced. San Joaquin County was seventh.

Reports so far for 2014 show solid growth:

▪ Tulare reported $8.08 billion in gross income, up 10 percent from 2013. It was the first time any county topped $8 billion.

▪ Kern was at $7.55 billion, up 12 percent.

▪ Fresno reported $7.04 billion, up 9 percent.

▪ Monterey was at $4.49 billion, up 6.5 percent.

Merced and San Joaquin counties have yet to report on 2014.

This story was originally published September 27, 2015 at 6:59 PM with the headline "Stanislaus board will get 2014 crop report."