2023 Lake County Crop and Livestock Report

Commissioner Vanderwall began by thanking her staff, who conducted calls and surveys, and the producers who contributed data to make the report possible. She noted that the California Food & Agricultural Code mandates the report, which serves many purposes for the following groups:

1. Ranchers and growers for planning future production.

2. Supplies for allocating resources.

3. Financial institutions.

4. Research and education agencies.

5. Regulatory agencies.

6. Transportation agencies for fuel and other needs.

7. Labor needs.

8. Those supporting animal-related health and disease programs.

The 2023 report revealed a record-setting $140 million in gross production value, a 31% increase from 2022, surpassing the previous record set in 2017. Commissioner Vanderwall reflected on 50 years of production trends, noting that while overall production has decreased, the same five commodities have remained consistent. The top five commodities for 2023 are the following:

1. Winegrapes produced: $114,621,613

2. Pears produced: $19,699,538

3. Cattle & calves produced: $1,815,025

4. Field & seed crops produced: $1,688,880

5. Miscellaneous livestock produced: $810,635

Miscellaneous livestock, which includes poultry, sheep, goats, hogs, and other livestock not categorized as cattle and calves, remained a significant sector in the 2023 report. Winegrapes, a staple in Lake County’s agricultural landscape, has consistently held the top production spot for several years.

To read the report, click here.

2023 marks the second year that cannabis production was included in the report. Commissioner Vanderwall explained that values were not included due to insufficient survey responses but emphasized ongoing outreach to producers. The data showed increased acreage for cannabis in mixed light and outdoor settings. She shared that industry reports, packing facilities, and direct outreach through calls and surveys help gather information, although 100% data return is not guaranteed. She encouraged full participation from all producers, noting that all data is confidential to ensure comprehensive reporting.

Click here to watch the presentation.

The report also details Lake County’s Pest Eradication efforts, detailing “the following pests were under active control and eradication during the year”:

1. Plumeless Thistle

2. Purple Starthistle

3. Skeleton Weed

4. Dyer’s Woad

5. Goat’s Rue

6. Hydrilla

In addition to the eradication efforts, daily pest exclusion inspections were carried out at the UPS terminal, with a total of 2,039 packages profiled. As a result of these inspections, eight packages were rejected. Over 360 hours of meticulous labor were invested in ensuring pest-free shipments. Further pest detection efforts focused on invasive fly species, with nine different species monitored using over 600 traps.

Supervisor Jessica Pyska referenced a 2017 conversation about updating comprehensive economic reporting, which Commissioner Vanderwall also supports. Supervisor Pyska also shared that winegrape acres, “…are decreasing, not just in Lake County, but statewide, and there is likely more coming next year as well.” Commissioner Vanderwall commented, “There are some vineyards who started to pull acres, so that will be reflected in the 2024 report.” Winegrape growers’ challenges and concerns were the focus of a two-part series last year.

Click here to read Part I and Part II.

Supervisor Sabatier expressed optimism about the future of agriculture in the region, despite challenges, noting that although food production has not been a major focus, the county’s efforts remain strong. He emphasized the completion of the strategic plan for the Food Policy Council, which will be presented to the Board soon. He thanked everyone for their participation in the process and expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead.