Kings crop value up 10.8%
2025 report dedicated to Joe Neves & Lynda Schrumpf
The value of all crops produced in Kings County in 2025 climbed 10.8% to $2.58 billion, the county ag commissioner Jimmy Hooks reported to the Board of Supervisors this week. Milk, pistachios and cattle were the top three crops. Fruit and nuts enjoyed better returns in 2025 compared to 2024, up an impressive 22%.
Milk production in the county was up as the price per hundred weight and higher production propelled values from $683 million in 2024 to $763 million.The county’s cow population was actually 5000 fewer head at 150,000.On the beef front the number of cattle was down while poultry numbers climbed to 2.8 million head from 824 thousand.
Pistachio acreage climbed nearly 5000 acres also enjoying a better price per pound. Production per acre was up on this alternate bearing nut. Almonds also had better production and price per pound. Another big crop in the county,processing tomatoes had dramatically lower acreage dropping from 27.7 thousand acres to about to 19.3 thousand. But the production per acre climbed helping to offset lower prices per unit.
Cotton too saw dramatically lower acreage from 71 thousand acres in 2024 to 47 thousand but the price and production per acre climbed. The result – a value of $140mil in 2025 from $134mil on about 40% fewer acres.
The annual report was dedicated to retiring Supervisor Joe Neves and Ag department’s long-time employee Lynda Schrumpf.
Supervisor Neves has served on the Kings County Board of Supervisors since 1995, making him the longest-serving current county supervisor in the State of California. He represents District One, which includes his hometown of Stratford, California. Throughout his years of service, he has been a familiar and beloved presence throughout the community.
“He is hard to miss, with his signature big white beard, infectious smile, booming laugh, and, most of all, a heart to match”says the dedication.Supervisor Neves has also dedicated a lifetime to agriculture in this community. His family roots in Kings County stretch back five generations, beginning when his family came to the county in 1913.
Lynda Schrumpf started as an Agriculture & Standards Inspector promoted to become a Deputy County Agriculture Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures where she was tasked with Pest Detection, Pest Eradication, Pest Exclusion, Cotton Host-Free Regulation, Insect/Pest LabAnalysis, Biological Control Coordination, Nursery Inspection, Seed Inspection and Certification, and Safety Training. During her time with the Agriculture Commissioner, she earned her Commissioner/Sealer License. Her impressive career with Kings County spanned over 40 years before she retired in December 2025.