AGRICULTURE IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT
Gaston County Ag
Statistics
Although Gaston County is more urban than rural, a number of full- and part-time farmers grow fruits and vegetables, raise livestock and run dairy farms. Gaston County has 11,103 acres of prime farmland, and another 80,000 acres of open or wooded land. While over 50% of the County's land area is classified as agricultural or open land, less than 1% of the work force is directly employed in agriculture. Over $17 million dollars in agriculture income was generated in Gaston County in 1997 by this small group of 229 farms.
Family-owned dairy farms are the largest use of Gaston County's cropland. $7.5 million of milk and beef are produced in Gaston County. The dairy industry segment of agriculture employs 51 local citizens full-time and is a significant contributor to the county's economy. Farmers reinvest about 80% of every production dollar, putting money back into the economy.
- DID YOU KNOW...
- Each US farmer produces enough food to feed 129 people.
- US farmers produce 80% more crop output on 1 acre than in the past generation.
- Food costs have decreased from 25% of average take-home pay in 1947 to 10% today.
- High production agriculture allows more open land to be used for conservation and recreation.
What Ag Means to Gaston
County
Farmland and forests are valuable in protecting our surface waters (lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, and streams). Recent surveys have shown that the lowest water quality is in urban and industrial land-use areas. Proper management of Gaston County natural resources is critical to ensure a high quality of life.
Traditionally, farmers have been known as the environmental stewards in the community. Modern farming techniques benefit farmers, the environment, and the local economy. Statewide, conservation tillage increased from 9% to 23% in the last 14 years. All but one of Gaston County's full-time farmers practice conservation tillage, which greatly reduces soil loss. No-till and reduced-tillage farming practices have reduced erosion by an average of 10 tons/acre/year in Gaston County. Farmers are provided with technical assistance in animal and crop production, nutrient waste management, and water quality through expertise offered by a cooperative effort between the Cooperative Extension Service and the Soil and Water Conservation District.
Fruit and vegetable producers raised over $450,000 worth of produce each year. The Cooperative Extension Service actively assists these growers with technical topics such as variety selection, fertility, pest identification and control, as well as safe pesticide use. Marketing assistance is provided to local producers involved with the Gastonia Farmers market. This market provides vendors with a place to sell their fresh, locally grown, wholesome produce to Gaston County citizens. back to the list
Agriculture Types
in Gaston County Ranked by Dollar Value:
- Dairy
- Nursery and Greenhouse production
- Poultry
- Field Crops
- Livestock
- Vegetables, Fruits & Nuts
Lara Worden , Area Specialized Agent
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