Agriculture Production Up In Tuolumne County
Sonora, CA — The overall value of agriculture commodities was up in Tuolumne County last year, but it was primarily a result of the Rim Fire.
Tuolumne County Agriculture Commissioner Vicki Helmar says the value of commodities produced in 2013 was $36.3 million, up 21.2% from 2012. It is primarily attributed to an increase in timber receipts. A lot of the Rim Fire salvage logging on private land occurred late in the year. The timber category totaled $13.7 million in 2013, which was up over 85% from the year prior.
However, cattle sales were down nearly $1 million, unfortunately due to the animals lost during the Rim Fire. Also, because of the drought, some cattle had to be sold earlier than normal in 2013.
Also of note, turkey sales were up $500,000.
Fruit and vegetable sales were down by around $24,000.
The Ag Report only shows the gross value of commodities, and does not take into account any increased costs that may go into production.
