Banner Year for Oregon Farmers in 2011

The Oregonian reports that Oregon's farming, fishing, and ranching industries grossed a record $5.2 billion in sales during 2011. According to the Oregon State University Extension Service, sales were up 19 percent from $4.4 billion in 2010. That's the largest annual increase in sales since 1979.

Of the 89 commodities reported, 66 experienced an increase from 2010 to 2011. Cattle was the top commodity with $800 million in sales. Dairy products moved into second place with $524 million in sales, followed closely by wheat ($522 million). Marion County reported the highest sales of any county with a total of $617 million.

A total of 3.2 million acres of land were harvested statewide in 2011, up from 3.1 million the previous year.

Want to know more? The full OSU Extension report has all the details!