Inyo County Agricultural Commissioner Nate Reed presented the 2024 Crop and Livestock Report to the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 23, reporting total gross production value of $24,142,000 — down about 2% from 2023.

“total production was down about 2% for Inyo County specifically, at $24,142,000,” Reed said, and stressed that the figures are gross production values, not profitability. He noted livestock production performed well: cattle and calf values increased about 16 percent year‑over‑year on higher prices, while sheep and lamb values were roughly steady. Egg prices and values rose sharply, up roughly 20 percent, amid supply issues in 2024.

Field crops fell roughly 18 percent, driven largely by a drop in alfalfa prices and lower yields despite some acreage increases. Reed attributed the outlook to water and input‑cost pressures: fertilizer, fuel and other inputs remain elevated and have squeezed producer margins.

Other notes: Nursery products declined considerably in acreage as some turf and nursery lands converted to commercial cannabis plantings in the county’s southeast; Reed said the cannabis conversions remain early and subject to plant establishment and regulatory timelines. He also flagged the growing number of electric vehicle charging meters and weights‑and‑measures inspections related to new EV infrastructure.

Ending: Reed said an updated economic impact study is planned to better quantify value‑added opportunities and diversification potential. He told supervisors he plans outreach and printed reports and thanked local producers for participating in the annual survey.