By Jamie Martin
Virginia agriculture recorded another successful year in 2024 as farm cash receipts reached more than 4.55 billion dollars. The figures were released by the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service and show steady farm income across the state.
Animals and animal products accounted for nearly three billion dollars of the total receipts, while crops generated more than 1.56 billion dollars. These results highlight the importance of livestock and poultry farming along with traditional crop production.
“Agriculture continues to be a strong economic driver for the Commonwealth, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Virginia farmers,” said Joseph Guthrie, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “The variety of commodities in which the Commonwealth ranks nationally demonstrates the breadth of Virginia’s agricultural diversity.”
Broilers remained the top earning commodity in Virginia, bringing in over 1.25 billion dollars. Cattle and calves ranked second, generating more than 712 million dollars. Miscellaneous crops, including nursery plants, greenhouse products, tomatoes, and potatoes, followed closely with nearly 483 million dollars.
Milk and other dairy products earned over 363 million dollars. Soybeans added more than 260 million dollars, while turkeys and corn continued to play key roles in farm income, earning over 241 million dollars and 227 million dollars.
Additional products that supported farm stability included hay, chicken eggs, floriculture crops, cotton lint, apples, tobacco, wheat, hogs, peanuts, pumpkins, cottonseed, and trout. These commodities help ensure that Virginia agriculture remains diverse and dependable.
Virginia also performed well in national rankings. The state placed third in tobacco, fifth in apples, sixth in turkeys, eighth in peanuts, ninth in trout, and tenth in pumpkins and other animal products.
These results show that agriculture remains a strong economic driver in Virginia. The variety of crops and livestock produced across the Commonwealth supports local economies and ensures a stable food supply. The strong 2024 performance reflects the continued commitment of Virginia farmers to maintain productivity, quality, and growth.
Photo Credit: istock-urpspoteko
Categories: National