Washington County > Department of Business and Economic Development > Agriculture
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Agriculture in WashCo
Washington County agriculture has undergone the same substantial changes that have impacted the nation’s agriculture the last 50 years. Technology, development, production enhancements, costs, regulations and growth are just some of the factors that have changed the fabric of agriculture.
Understanding agriculture’s importance and significance to Washington County is the first step in realizing you cannot survive without agriculture in any of its many forms.
Washington County offers a variety of farm experiences, something any family member will enjoy. We have:
- 877 farms
- 119,248 acres of farmland
- 136 acres average per farm
- 458 square miles of farmland
- $153,725,000 Total market value of agricultural products sold
- 7,202 beef cows
- 13,023 Milk cows
- 2,191 Hogs and pigs
- 3,775 sheep and lambs
- 3,654 broilers and chickens
- 992 horses, ponies and donkeys
- 16,653 acres dedicated to growing 2915481 bushels of corn
- 6,816 acres dedicated to growing 517684 bushels of wheat
- 18,978 acres dedicated to growing 1039837 bushels of soybeans
- 505 acres dedicated to growing vegetables
- 54.5 is the average age of farmers in Washington County
Agriculture News
Faces of Farming
Find a Farmers Market / Farm Stand
Farm of the Year & Awards
- Farm of the Year
- Dairy of Distinction
- Preservation and Conservation Awards
- Young Farms
- Farm Bureau Recognition
- Agriculture Royalty
Agriculture Statistics in Washington County
In Maryland, Washington County is ranked 1st in:
- Production in fruits and berries
- Inventory of cattle and calves
- Inventory of milk cows
- Dairy Farms
- Inventory of sheep and goats
Other Stats
- 69% of Washington county farms have internet access
- 10% of Washington County farms sell directly to consumers
- 97% of Washington county farms are family owned
Agritourism Mobile Application
For a complete list of all farms, craft beverages, and products download the Washington County AgriTourism mobile application.
Washington County, MD Agriculture Gallery
Washington County Department of Business Development
100 West Washington Street, Suite 1401
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Kelsey Keadle
[email protected]
Phone: (240) 313-2284
Cell: (301) 573-7039
TTY users may call any government office
through the Maryland Relay Service
1-800-735-2258
Department of Business Development
Washington County > Department of Business and Economic Development > Agriculture
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Agriculture in Washington County, and all across the nation, has seen substantial changes over the last 50 years. Technology, development, production enhancements, rising costs, regulations, and growth are all factors that have changed the fabric and composition of agriculture. Understanding the importance and significance of agriculture in Washington County is the first step to realizing you cannot survive without agriculture in one of its many forms.
Washington County Agriculture Profile (USDA Census of Agriculture, 2012)
- Number of Farms: 860
- Land in Farms: 129,600 Acres
- Average Size of Farm: 151 Acres
- Total Land Area: 458 Square miles
Washington County offers a variety of farms for every member of your family. Value-added products and events and attractions can be found at many of these farms.
Washington County is ranked FIRST in hogs and pigs in the State of Maryland.
Washington County is home to several wineries and breweries. The Antietam Wine Trail stretches across Washington County attracting visitors and citizens to local events.
Washington County is ranked FIRST for sales of fruits, trees, and berries in the State of Maryland.
Washington County has an agritourism app that allows the user to search local farms for products, what’s in season, ag-related events, and local wine and ale trails. This app is meant to encourage citizens to eat local and contribute to the agriculture community.
County dairy production is second in the state and land in orchards leads the state. Agricultural, agribusiness, and related food production operations in Washington County include:
- Palmyra Farms – dairy and cheeses
- Knob Hall Winery – vineyard and winery
- Lanco-PennlandCheese – dairy products manufacturing
- Misty Meadow Farm – dairy and creamery
- Big Cork Vineyards – farm market; winery
- Dairy One Cooperative – milk testing services
- Hadley Orchards – apples, peaches
- Antietam Brewery – Craft Beverages
- Cushwa Brewery – Craft Beverages
- South-Mountain MicroFARM – fresh, sustainable and local products from an ecosystem
Business Development Menu
Additional Resources
In-House Resources
Business Development
Department of Business Development
Washington County Administration Complex
100 West Washington Street, Suite 1401
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: 240-313-2280
Fax: 240-313-2281