COLUSA, CA (MPG) — The 2024 Colusa County Crop and Livestock Report shows an estimated gross value of $844.6 million, a decrease of about 4 percent from the previous year, according to Agricultural Commissioner Anastacia Allen.
Allen presented the report to the Board of Supervisors, noting the year-to-year drop of $33.5 million. She attributed most of the decline to lower commodity prices, despite consistent or increased production in several areas.
Almonds remained the county’s leading crop in 2024, with a value of $279 million, up from $220 million the prior year. Rice, traditionally the county’s anchor crop, ranked second at $200 million, down from $225 million in 2023. Processing tomatoes followed at $96 million, a decrease from $133 million the year before.
Other leading crops included English walnuts at $51 million and cattle and calves at $44 million. The top 10 commodities together accounted for more than 85 percent of the county’s gross production value.
Rice acreage dropped slightly from 122,460 to 118,386 acres, while yields held steady at about 4.65 tons per acre. The lower average price per ton reduced overall value by more than $25 million. Wheat also posted lower totals, with 4,109 acres harvested and a value of $2.4 million, compared to $3.6 million in 2023.
Dry beans, corn grain, and alfalfa hay all recorded declines in value. The field crop category in total decreased from $255 million in 2023 to $222 million in 2024.
The report shows strength in almonds, which grew both in acreage and in per-unit price. Almond hulls added another $5.2 million to the total. Grapes for wine production increased from $7.2 million in 2023 to $10.8 million in 2024, with acreage rising to 1,273 acres.
Walnuts, however, saw a sharp decline. Acreage dropped by nearly 9,000 acres and yields fell, resulting in a reduction of more than $15 million from the previous year.
The fruit and nut category overall increased to $373 million, compared to $325 million in 2023.
Livestock values showed improvement. Cattle and calves brought $44.3 million, up from $30.3 million in 2023, reflecting both higher numbers and prices. Sheep and lambs remained stable at just over $1 million. Miscellaneous livestock, including goats, hogs, and poultry, added another $1.9 million.
Apiary products contributed $29.3 million, a slight increase from the year before. The bulk of that value came from pollination services for almonds, totaling $26.2 million. Honey production reached 50,000 pounds, worth $150,000.
Certified rice seed production was valued at $23.3 million, a sharp decline from $39.6 million in 2023. Sunflower seed contributed $2.5 million, an increase from $2.1 million. Non-certified seed crops, including cucumbers, squash, and watermelon, totaled $26.7 million, up slightly from the year before.
The county reported $44.6 million in gross organic production value. Producers contributed $13 million, handlers $28.6 million, and processors $3 million. The organic sector included almonds, cattle, mushrooms, olives, rice, walnuts, wheat, and various seed and row crops.
The 2024 total continues a downward trend from a recent high of $926.8 million in 2020. While totals have remained above $790 million for the last decade, the fluctuations reflect market conditions and shifting acreage.
In 2019, the value reached $933 million, the highest in the 10-year period. The lowest was in 2022, when drought conditions contributed to a $433 million total.
Colusa County crops reached more than 70 countries in 2024. Almonds, rice, and walnuts made up the bulk of exports, accounting for more than 90 percent of shipments. Other products such as sunflower, watermelon, cucumbers, and squash were also included in certified exports.
Countries receiving products ranged from Canada and Mexico to China, India, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition to compiling crop values, the Department of Agriculture managed pest detection, pesticide use enforcement, seed inspections, and weights and measures programs.
In 2024, inspectors issued 3,690 phytosanitary certificates to support exports. They tested 220 scales and more than 1,000 meters for accuracy, ensuring compliance in local commerce. Pesticide reports submitted totaled 19,096, with nearly 900 field inspections conducted.
The Air Pollution Control District, also under the department’s oversight, administered $330,000 in grant funding for cleaner-burning equipment and woodsmoke reduction. The district issued 504 agricultural burn permits during the year.
The report underscores the continued importance of agriculture in Colusa County. With almonds, rice, and tomatoes leading production, and with livestock values strengthening, the sector remains a cornerstone of the local economy.
The full 2024 Crop and Livestock Report is available on the Colusa County website at www.countyofcolusa.com