Tulare County Crop & Livestock Report highlights resilient, robust agricultural sector

The 2024 Crop & Livestock Report is in for Tulare County, and the numbers don’t lie.

The latest breakdown indicates an increasing consumer demand for the top five highest-grossing commodities produced in the county, despite a decrease in overall acreage usage.

Tulare County reported an agricultural production value of $8.3 billion for 2024, representing a 6% increase from the previous year. The upward trend reflects consumer demand and strong commodity markets, even as growers continue to navigate around acreage reductions and ongoing water restrictions.

“Overall, [2024] was a very solid year for Tulare County agriculture,” said Christopher Greer, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner, during a presentation before the County Board of Supervisors. “Despite less acreage, our growers continue to adapt to challenges and meet the demand of both domestic and international markets.”

Top Grossing Commodities

Diary continues to reign supreme in the marketplace, with milk once again topping the list as the county’s most valuable commodity at $2.27 billion, followed by cattle and calves at $1.17 billion, grapes at $965 million, oranges (Valencia and Navel) at $768 million, and tangerines rounding out the top five at $448 million. Together, these five categories accounted for the lion’s share of Tulare County’s agricultural value.

The valuation rise in cattle and calves was particularly notable because the value surpassed $1 billion for the first time. Although overall headcount declined, market prices increased significantly, and the sector has seen consistent value and consumer demand increases since 2020.

“We saw about a $500 per-head increase from 2023 to 2024,” Greer said in a phone interview. “The number of animals went down slightly, but demand remained high. That supply-and-demand balance drove prices upward, and you can see that reflected in the supermarket or even at county fairs.”

Tangerines also advanced in ranking, moving into the county’s top five for the first time after jumping from seventh place in 2023. Greer attributed the surge to consumer preferences. “Everyone loves a mandarin,” he said. “The per-ton price has been strong, and that pushed tangerines into the fifth spot.”

Meanwhile, table grapes and Valencia oranges experienced modest declines in production value. Grapes slipped by about $32 million, while Valencia yields dropped due to lower production per acre.

Ag Commissioner’s Office to include SGMA impact starting next year

Tulare County reported approximately 448,000 acres of permanent crops in 2024, a decrease of roughly 9,600 acres compared to 2023. However, field crop acreage rose by nearly 6,000 acres due to rotational plantings and favorable growing conditions, offsetting some of the permanent reductions.

The state’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) has raised concerns for years, but Greer said its impact on overall countywide value remains limited at this stage. “We recorded about 12,500 acres removed or left fallow due to water availability and SGMA-related issues,” he explained. “But when you look at the big picture, that resulted in only a 3,600-acre overall difference for 2024. Growers have been resourceful in managing water and shifting crop decisions.”

Greer emphasized that his office plans to refine reporting on SGMA’s impact. “Next year, we want to track not just the acreage but also which commodities are being affected. That will help us better quantify the economic impact in dollar terms,” he said.

Exports and Market Access

The report also highlighted Tulare County’s export markets. Oranges led the way in shipments abroad, followed closely by pistachios, grapes, almonds, and stone fruit. Top destinations included South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Taiwan.

Agreements signed in recent years have opened access to Vietnam and other markets, particularly for stone fruit. “Industry groups continue to work hard to expand international markets,” Greer said. “Tulare County exports to over 90 countries, and that diversity is key to maintaining stability.”

The county issued more than 30,000 phytosanitary (crop health) certificates in 2024, marking a gradual recovery in export documentation following a decline during the post-pandemic period.

Regional Context

As of publication, neighboring Fresno, Kings, and Kern counties have not yet released their 2024 crop and livestock reports. Tulare County currently holds the top spot statewide in reported agricultural value, though that ranking could shift once other Central Valley counties publish their figures.

“Right now, you can say we’re number one,” Greer told supervisors, noting that Fresno and Kern traditionally compete closely with Tulare for the top ranking. “But those counties haven’t released their reports yet.”

Challenges and Outlook

Despite challenges with water regulations, fluctuating markets, and federal data delays, Tulare County agriculture has demonstrated adaptability. Milk pricing, for example, had to be calculated using a three-year average due to gaps in federal reporting. Still, Greer said the county worked closely with other agricultural commissioners to ensure fair representation.

“We’re very happy with the numbers overall,” Greer said. “Our department compiles the data, but it really reflects the hard work of growers, packers, and producers across the county. Tulare County agriculture is resilient, and this report proves that.”

Looking ahead, Greer said he is optimistic about Tulare County’s future. “We have a strong grower base that has been here for generations, an incredible diversity of crops, and a global export reach. Even with the challenges we face, I believe Tulare County agriculture will remain strong and continue to play a vital role in feeding the world.”