Placer County 2023 crop value increases 1% to $89 million amid continuing weather challenges
Auburn, Calif. – Despite continued weather challenges the total gross value of agricultural crops and products increased 1% in Placer County for 2023. (The 2022 report report is here)
Rice, along with beef cattle, poultry, nursery products and walnuts, were among Placer County's top five highest-gross-value crops.
That's according to the 2023 Placer County Agricultural Crop Report, presented to the county Board of Supervisors as an informational item at its meeting Tuesday in Auburn.
Plentiful water supplies
The total value of agricultural crops and products for 2023 was $89,659,831, an increase from 2022's value of $88,852,432.
"While the total value is slightly above the historical average, each crop has its own unique story," said Placer County Agricultural Commissioner and Department of Agriculture, Parks, and Natural Resources Director Josh Huntsinger. "Almonds, for example, fell out of the top five due to post-COVID supply chain disruptions and market oversaturation. The timber industry also faced challenges following the 2022 Mosquito Fire, which led to significant salvage logging."
The annual totals reflect the gross value of crops and products, not producers' net income.
Despite a 39% drop from 2022, rice remained as Placer County's top-grossing crop with a value of $19,653,743.
"Plentiful water supplies in 2023 allowed more rice to be planted in the Sacramento Valley, which pushed rice prices significantly lower," said Huntsinger.
Beef cattle remained in second place with an overall value of $15,571,115, an increase of $3.6 million from 2022.
Poultry moved up to third place with an overall value of $12,021,842, nearly twice the increase of $6,096,400 from 2022.
"This is the first time poultry production has exceeded the $10 million mark since 2016," said Huntsinger. "The highly pathogenic avian influenza devastated the poultry industry nationwide and drove poultry prices higher, boosting the county's poultry production."
Nursery stock dropped down to fourth place with a value of $9,118,000.
Walnuts rounded the top five crops with a value of $4,591,836.
The annual crop report, published between August and September, continues to evolve its content with additional agricultural data and history.
The report also includes data about farmers' markets, local and organic products, weighing devices, pest exclusion shipment inspections, noxious weed control and more.
For more information, contact the Agricultural Commissioner's Office at 530-889-7372. A copy of the 2023 Crop Report is available below.
Learn more about Placer County's agricultural legacy with the Agricultural Commissioner's interactive story map, here.