Fresno Tops Agriculture Rankings as Kings County Crop Value Surges

Fresno County has reclaimed its position as the top agricultural producer in California, with Kings County reporting a remarkable 13.4% increase in total crop value, reaching $2.44 billion for the year 2024. According to Jimmy Hook, the agricultural commissioner, this growth stems largely from elevated milk prices, alongside a recovery from the widespread flooding that affected the region in 2023.

The dairy sector played a critical role in this resurgence. Kings County, noted for its robust milk production, saw average milk prices rise to $21.60 per hundredweight last year, compared to $19.30 in 2023. This increase significantly bolstered the overall agricultural output, making milk the county’s top commodity.

Factors Driving Agricultural Growth

In addition to dairy, other sectors contributed to the rise in crop value. Livestock and poultry production surged by 27%, buoyed by higher beef prices. Processing tomatoes also saw a positive impact on valuation. However, not all crops experienced growth; alfalfa hay production and value per unit declined in 2023.

The recovery from flooding allowed for increased planting in the region. Pima cotton acreage expanded to 71,000 acres in 2024, a notable rebound from just 27,000 acres in the previous year. This crop generated $134 million in revenue, approximately double that of 2023. Conversely, grape valuations fell from $58 million in 2023 to $48 million in the most recent report.

Another noteworthy trend was observed in the walnut sector, where growers reported improved returns despite a reduction in acreage. The value per ton for walnuts doubled compared to the previous year. However, the impact of avian influenza significantly affected poultry inventory, which plummeted from 2.6 million head in December 2023 to just 820,000 in December 2024.

Future Projections and Challenges Ahead

While the data for 2025 has not yet been fully compiled, early indications suggest that milk prices may fall below those of 2024. Class IV milk prices dropped from over $21 per hundredweight in January to $13.90 on the futures market for December. This decline could impact crop valuations in major dairy-producing counties such as Tulare and Kings. Analysts expect the average for 2025 to settle between $17 and $18 per hundredweight.

Despite these potential setbacks, dairy operators may benefit from lower feed prices in recent years. From July 2023 to July 2025, corn prices decreased by 31%, soybeans by 30%, and alfalfa by 15%.

In contrast to Kings County’s growth, Kern County, which led agricultural production in 2023, saw a decline of 8% in crop value from 2023 to 2024. This decrease was largely attributed to a significant drop in the valuation of wine grapes, which plummeted from $132 million in 2023 to just $27 million in 2024.

As Kings County continues to navigate the complexities of agricultural production, the focus will remain on adapting to market fluctuations and environmental challenges to sustain its leading position in the state.