CONSUMER SERVICES

Just Some Virginia Ag Facts — Did You Know

(Based on the 2008 Virginia Agricultural Statistics Bulletin)

Apples — Virginia ranks among the top states in apple production.  Based on the 2005 Orchard Survey, 24 varieties are grown in the state.

Chickens (broilers) — Broilers are Virginia's #1 farm enterprise.

Cattle & Calves — Virginia's cattle herd ranks in the top 21 in the nation.

Corn — Virginia yellow corn is primarily used for poultry and livestock feed.

Cotton — The value of cotton production decreased 43% from 2003 to 2008 in Virginia.

Hogs — Virginia hams and pork products are famous around the world.

Horses — Based on the 2006 Equine Survey, 215,000 horses are in Virginia.

Milk — Sales of milk contributed $371 million to Virginia's economy in 2008.

Nursery Products — Plants, bulbs and Christmas trees are part of a rapidly growing business in the state.

Peanuts — Virginia peanuts are known as the Cadillac of peanuts for their size and flavor.

Seafood — Data from Virginia Seafood reports, Virginia is the fourth largest producer of marine products.

Sheep, Lambs & Wool — Virginia is one of the largest sheep producing states east of the Mississippi.

Soybeans — Soybeans are used for oil, animal feed, ink, and as a protein source in a variety of foods.

Tomato — Eastern Virginia's climate and soil create ideal conditions for growing plump tomatoes.

Turkey — Virginia is a major turkey supplier for markets in the Eastern US and abroad.

Wheat — Winter wheat thrives in Virginia and is sold to flour mills throughout the East Coast.