Agriculture and Natural Resources

John Yost
Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator
yost.77@osu.edu

All About Agriculture in Fayette County

      If you were to drive through Fayette County, you see it as your typical farming community.  However, Fayette County has a rich agricultural history.  Our farmers have been pioneers in the agricultural industry.  Many producer organizations owe their existance to Fayette County Farmers such as Robert Haigler and Frank Sollars.  If you have ever feed hogs you may have used a Smidley Feeder which was invented by Fayette County resident George Smidley.  Willard Kirk, of Fayette County, was known as the "World's Corn King".

     Fayette County farmers have also known the importance of conservation.  Producers such as Lee Cleland and James Waddle made the early push to establish our local Soil and Water Conservation District. 

     We enjoy remembering our heritage by recognizing our outstanding farmers through the Fayette County Agriculture Hall of Fame.  You can see our Farmers that have been recognized by visiting the Hall at the Fayette County Agriculture Service Center in Washington Courthouse.

2007 Fayette Agricultural Statistics
Number of Farms = 470
Average Farm Size = 440 acres (ranks 1st in state) 
Total Land in Farms = 207,000 acres
Commercial Grain Storage Capacity = 6,288,000 bushel
Average Cash Receipts = 137,595(ranks 6th hightest in state)

Fayette Agricultural Ranking

Crop           Acres harvested    Yield       Production        Rank
Corn                   91,500          162.9     14,909,000          7
Soybeans           98,400            47.4       4,660,400         13
Wheat                  5,800            57.4          333,000         41
Hay                      6,400             1.70            10,900        79

Livestock          Number          Rank
Cattle                  5,500             76
Hogs                   10,200            45
Sheep                  1,600             21

Local Resources and Useful Links

Program/Events Calendar

Fayette County Demonstration Farm Research and Events.

Find Information on the Southwest Ohio Corn Growers Association, including:  Plot entry forms and dealines, yield trial data, annual field day information, and winter meeting plans.

Fayette County Agriculture Hall of Fame events, inductees, and nomination information

4-H Livestock information, including information on: Quality Assurance, Skill-a-thon, and rules for Fayette County Junior Fair Livestock Projects.