July 11,2018-
Wine grapes topped strawberries the 2017 San Luis Obispo County Crop Report released this week. Wine grapes led at $267 million value vs $228 million for strawberries, by far the county’s most valuable top crops.
Wine grapes climbed from $243 million in 2016 while strawberries fell from their 2016 value of at $241 million. Avocados dropped in value in 2017 due to a decrease in tonnage.Many avocado trees were stumped in 2017 due to the prolonged drought. Avo tonnage fell by more than half – in 2017 it was 9570 tons compared to 20 million tons in 2016.
The largest acreage of wine grapes in the county by far was Cabernet Sauvignon at 17,784 acres, up from 16,002 acres in 2016. This grape price per ton in 2017 was higher as was acreage.
Cattle value leveled off at just under $49 million – way down from a value of $140 million in 2014.Last year the annual report explained the causes.
”The animal industry continued to struggle with drought impacts that have forced the reduction of herd sizes and sales over the past few years. The number of head sold in 2016 dropped 24%, re ecting the lowest number of head sold in the county since 1928, according to the Department’s Annual Crop Report records.
Strong consumer demand for poultry and pork contributed to a 25% drop in overall cattle value. Overall, the animal industry ended the year at $45,350,000 or 36% below that of 2015.”
The 2017 crop report says the value of nursery products was off by 5% as there was some conversion to cannabis and the nursery biz struggled to find workers.