Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503160035
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOE HUNNINGS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Farm numbers
Montgomery County comprises 252,730 acres. Of that, total farm acreage is 98,914, the 1992 Census of Agriculture indicates. This represents 39 percent of the county's land mass, compared with 83 percent in 1910 and 59 percent in 1950.
The county's 537 farms average 184 acres; that's up from 94 acres in 1950 and 125 acres in 1910, when there were 1,676 farms in the county. Eighteen farms are at least 1,000 acres. The average value of farmland and improvements is $284,366.
Farm families who also have off-farm employment income comprise approximately 57 percent of these farms. The average farm operator is 57 years old.
Economic importance
The market value of agricultural products from Montgomery County sold in 1992 was more than $15.1 million. However, the economic impact of this production is more than twice that, as these dollars flow through the cash registers of many local businesses. This figure also does not include the economic impact of businesses supporting the farming community, such as farm supply stores and equipment sales and maintenance companies.
Although the majority of farms (369) had sales of less than $10,000 a year, 40 topped $100,000 annually. The average was $28,246.
The county's agricultural sales rank 45th among all Virginia counties. That's just about in the middle. However, in specific product numbers, the county ranks ninth in corn silage (2,400 acres), 10th in dairy cows (2,400 head), 11th in sheep and lambs (2,200 head) and 12th in alfalfa (2,800 acres).
Farm trends
Since the 1950s, farms in Montgomery County have decreased in number but increased in size. Livestock (mainly beef and dairy cattle) and forage production are their main sources of income. County farms also raise hogs, sheep and horses.
The main forage crops are alfalfa and mixed grass-legume hays. Corn is grown mainly for silage. Small areas of grain and specialty crops are also found in the county. Grain crops include corn, barley, sorghum and wheat. Specialty crops include tobacco, strawberries, nursery plants and Christmas trees.
It's interesting that there are more than twice as many cattle in Montgomery County now than in 1910, although the number of dairy cows - which peaked at more than 8,100 in the 1950s - is just over half what it was in 1910. Also, approximately 6,000 more acres of hay are raised now than in 1910.
Agricultural diversity
In addition to traditional crops and livestock, many other agricultural enterprises can be found here. Some of these operations produce buffalo, emu, fish, sod, small fruit, goats, tree fruit and mushrooms. You'll also find ginseng, cut flowers and herbs.
Farm organizations
Montgomery County farmers are active in area and state farm organizations, with several farmers holding key leadership positions. Organizations include feeder cattle groups, the Montgomery-Floyd Dairy Herd Improvement Association, the New River Valley Dairy Club, the New River Sheep Club, 4-H and Future Farmers of America, as well as the Montgomery County Forestry and Wildlife Association and the Southwest Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association.
Joe Hunnings is the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agent for agriculture in the Montgomery County Extension office in Christiansburg. If you have questions, call him at 382-5790.
by CNB