Placer County’s 2024 agricultural crop report, presented to the Board on Oct. 7, recorded the highest gross value on record for county agricultural commodities, driven by strong cattle prices, recovering nut prices and a surge in poultry values amid avian influenza impacts elsewhere.

Director of Agriculture Josh Hunsinger noted the county’s 2024 total exceeds the previous record set in 2021 and reflects national and international market dynamics: low national beef herd numbers pushed cattle prices to record highs, almond and walnut prices recovered some from a prior oversupply period, and poultry producers benefited from higher prices as some national flocks were impacted by disease. Rice values dipped and planted acreage declined, reducing rice’s contribution compared with earlier years.

Hunsinger also highlighted the county’s continuing agricultural diversity — fruit crops (wine grapes and mandarins), nursery stock and apiary were among other contributors — and called attention to the Resource Conservation District’s role in bringing conservation funding and cost‑share programs to Placer growers. He invited residents to the county’s annual Farm & Barn Tour and said the department will continue outreach on local agriculture, pest prevention, and support for agricultural infrastructure and supply chains.

Supervisors praised the department’s outreach and the report’s accessible layout; board members emphasized support for farm mental‑health and workforce needs discussed in the presentation.