2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Pitt County Government

Agricultural EconomyAgriculture in Pitt County contributes over $100 million to the local economy each year.Primary agricultural products produced in 2010 included tobacco, cotton, soybeans, corn, smallgrains, and peanuts while major livestock included hogs and broilers (poultry). According tothe U.S. Census of Agriculture, between 1997 and 2007 the number of farms in Pitt Countydecreased from 474 to 435 – an 8% decrease. During this same ten-year period, the total landin farms decreased 11% and the average farm decreased in size from 415 acres to 394 acres – adecrease of 5%.Table A-7Census of Agriculture for Pitt County 1 – 1987, 1992, 1997,2002, and 2007Category 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007Number of Farms 757 583 474 448 435Total Land in Farms (in acres) 213,831 194,015 193,377 185,776 171,525Average Farm Size (in acres) 282 333 408 415 394Harvested Cropland (in acres) 123,844 123,154 132,083 124,246 125,102Average Age of Farmers 50.6 51.8 52.2 53.3 55.2Average Value of Farm andBuildingsAverage Value of Machinery &EquipmentTotal Farm Production Expense(in $1,000’s)$364,144 $547,147 $766,717 $1,004,236 $1,338,293$54,330 $79,537 $111,642 $122,004 $154,469$74,162 $105,691 $143,677 $109,947 $139,164Average Production Expense $98,097 $181,289 $303,116 $245,965 $319,917Average Market Value ofProducts Sold1Total Area in County – 417,037 acres; dollar amounts have not been adjusted for inflation.Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.$131,563 $229,986 $413,795 $268,088 $387,224Table A-8Farms by SizeCensus of Agriculture for Pitt County 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007Size in Acres 1987 1992 1997 2002 20071 – 9 50 35 22 25 5110 – 49 149 112 105 110 11450 – 179 244 163 131 129 112180 – 499 206 150 107 70 71500 – 999 73 82 53 52 291,000+ 35 41 56 62 58Source: North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-19