Census shows Weld still ranks high in ag, livestock production

Here's a news flash: Agriculture is important to Weld County.

If you didn't know that already, well, we'd suggest you become a little more acquainted with the community in which you live.
But that fact was reinforced with last week's release of the 2007 Census of Agriculture.
The census is conducted by the federal government every five years. In 2002, the last time the census was completed, Weld ranked No. 8 nationally of agriculture production. We have been in the top 10 since, well, since anybody can remember.
In the 2007 census, Weld again ranked No. 8 nationally with $1.54 billion of livestock and crop production. Yes, that's a "b" as in billion. Weld is the only county outside California ranked in the top 10. And we should point out that California counties rank high partially because of the kinds of specialty crops they grow. About 35 acres of strawberries, for example, will generate $1 million in sales, and many of those crops will produce two times a year.
Within the state of Colorado, which is a more accurate comparison, Weld ranks first in 16 of 27 categories listed.
We think that's worth a little bit of chest-thumping. In fact, it's worth a high five and an "ooh-rah."
And it's worth remembering that agriculture remains the foundation for much of what happens economically in our county. It's been that way for more than a hundred years, and we happen to think Weld County should be proud of its agriculture heritage and its future.
Some think that Weld's standing is likely to improve by the time the 2012 census is completed.
"I wouldn't be surprised to see Weld County jump up a notch or two next time," said Colorado State University ag economist Norm Dalsted. He cited the Leprino plant as one example. The cheese factory is expected to begin operating within the next two years in east Greeley, and according to some estimates, it will double milk production in this part of the state.
As we examined the numbers, we were struck by two simple facts:
»The amount of farming land was up 15 percent in Weld County from 2002-07, surpassing the state's 2 percent increase.
»The number of farms in Weld was up 26 percent in the same time period.
Our reaction happens to be the same as Jim Miller, who owns a livestock feeding operation near La Salle. "Well, I'll be darned," Miller said. "They keep trying to get rid of us, but it appears they're not getting it done."
Indeed.
Between the 2002 ag census and the 2007 census, the Greeley metropolitan area, which includes all of Weld County, saw population growth that was among the highest in the nation. During those years, we read about the concerns of rooftops and parking lots consuming valuable ag land. We also have read in this decade about a drought that affected water availability in northern Colorado. We've read about water well legal issues that have dried up farmland. We've read about hailstorms that have destroyed acres of crops.
But despite all those issues, farmers and ranchers have shown they are adaptable and resilient - and profitable. There's no doubt that the current economic crisis will affect agriculture as well, but as the future unfolds, we're betting that we will celebrate even more that farming and ranching remain a cornerstone of our economy and our way of life.
Take part in our Web poll:
Go to www.greeleytribune.com to answer:
In the next 50 years, what do you think is the most important area for Greeley to focus on in its planning?

Good Neighbor Committee
P.O. Box 155 - La Salle, CO  80645
info@goodneighborlaw.com

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