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McHenry County Farmland Preservation Alliance
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Making the Case for Farming and Farmland Preservation in McHenry County
Farmland, as an economic resource, is an undervalued asset and an important component of McHenry County's economy. McHenry County was once the largest dairy producer in Illinois, and a major grower of produce for local and regional markets. While farmland continues to be challenged for its value as development land, there is a growing awareness that farmland contributes significantly to the universal value of McHenry County property for the "quality of life" character it provides to residents and its value to the county's economic health and wealth.
Agriculture and related businesses comprise a major part of the McHenry County economy. The significance of farming to McHenry County's economy is evident from the statistics.
According to 1997 and 2002 agricultural census data:
- There are 921 farms in McHenry County on a total of 233,458 acres (2002 data).
(The county has approximately 390,262 acres.)
- The average farm covers 230 acres, and there are 56 farms in the County over 1000 acres.
- Specialty crops (orchards, vegetable/berry farms, Christmas tree farms) are increasing in numbers. They provide value products for the local economy and increase tourism to the County.
- There are about 6,500 acres in specialty crops, nurseries and other horticultural products.
- McHenry County's farms sold agricultural products valued at over $90.7 million from corn/soybeans, livestock and horticultural products in 2002.
- McHenry County's farms purchased $83.6 million in goods and services in 2002.
- Equestrian farms represent a significant and growing farmland enterprise.
- Businesses supporting the agricultural industry in McHenry County provide local employment, and reinvest money into the local economy.
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