2018 report records 14.3% increase in value for all crops
-July 19,2019-
Kings County’s crop value reached $2.35 billion in 2018, up 14.3% from the year before. County ag commissioner Jimmy Hook reported this week that big increases in production in pistachios, tomatoes and chickens although milk remained the top crop. Milk production was flat.
Pistachio acreage grew from 25,375 acres to 32,361 in 2018. The popular nut enjoyed a crop value of $287 million vs $116 million in 2017.
Processing tomatoes crop value jumped to $148 million from $110 million in 2017 – both on higher acreage and improved price.
As for chickens the number of head grew in the county from 9 million in 2017 to over 16 million in 2018 as Pitman Farms expanded their ranch count.
Kings County celebrated its goat industry in this year’s crop report noting that “Used for milking, grazing, and meat, goats really are the little animal that could! Kings County’s goat inventory has exploded since 2003. That year’s crop report totaled the number of goats in the county at 3,100. In 2018, the number had skyrocketed to more than 19,133, an increase of 617% in that 15 year time span.”
With their low overhead costs and spirited personalities, these lovable creatures are finding their way into many livestock herds. Contrary to popular belief, goats are actually quite picky in terms of what they will eat, so your tin cans and other odds and ends are safe from these grazers.
Got (goat) milk? While cows remain the top choice in Kings County for dairy farmers, goats are making headway. Nestled on much smaller parcels, there are currently nine goat dairies in the county contributing more than 2.1 million gallons of goat milk. This milk is used in many products including cheese, candy, yogurt, ice cream, soap and of course, beauty products. The wonder fluid has also been known to have anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-allergic properties.
Although a relative late comer to the United States, the boer goat has made a big impact on the goat industry. Finding its way to the United States from South Africa in 1993, the boer goat has rapidly gained acceptance and is used more prevalently for meat purposes. With its high fertility and fast growth rate, the boer lends itself to lean and healthy cuts of red meat. According to the USDA, goat meat is lower in calories and cholesterol.