Ag production dropped in Plumas; but timber harvesting was up
When it comes to agriculture in Plumas County last year, three factors impacted overall production: drought, the Dixie Fire and COVID 19.
Agricultural Commissioner Willo Vieira presented the commission’s annual report to the Board of Supervisors this month. While overall production was down, there was one bright spot —though not for the best of reasons. Timber harvest numbers were up roughly 25 percent in 2021 compared to 2020. Vieira said this could be attributed to salvage from the North Complex Fire and she anticipates that this trend would continue with the Dixie Fire salvage efforts.
But overall, the county’s estimated commodity production decreased by 14 percent in 2021, coming in at $21,790,025. She broke those numbers down for the board:
Cattle – $11.5 million
Sheep – $1.4 million
Wool – $16,169
Goats – $11,186
Goat milk – $3,917
Hogs – $78,960
Honey – $20,385
Wax – $349
Eggs – $23,333
Poultry – $47,192
Alfalfa – $2.8 million
Grain hay – $699,300
Grass hay – $900,000
Organic production – $70,301
Vegetables $103,453
Small fruits – $29,454
Industrial hemp – $3.3 million
Nursery bedding plants – $28,650
Additionally, her department conducted 32 pest inspections and set traps for the gypsy moth, Japanese beetle, European pine shoot moth and the European corn borer. No pests were detected as a result of these traps.
The staff also worked to eradicate invasive species including musk and Scotch thistles.
As for the weights and measures portion of the annual report, Vieira said that 23 notices of violation were issued, representing an increase of 40 percent, primarily in petroleum labeling. Weights and Measures is tasked with testing weighing and measuring devices for accuracy; examining the work of service repairment; verifying the quantity of bulk and packaged commodities; check consumer packages for proper labeling; inspect price scanner systems for accuracy; review weighmaster certificates; and regulate the advertising, labeling and quality standards of petroleum products.
