According to the California Walnut Commission’s 2024 industry update, the walnut industry “experienced a significant rebound in 2024, driven by improved pricing, reduced carryover and strong global demand.” Designed by Freepik, www.freepik.com

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Walnuts shelled the competition for the top spot in Butte County’s agriculture rankings, generating $150.3 million and outpacing almonds and rice for the first time, according to the county’s annual Crop and Livestock Report.

The report, submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture on Sept. 30, shows a total gross agricultural value of $589.1 million for the 2024 calendar year. That marks a $15.2 million increase over 2023’s total of $573.9 million, though still below the county’s 10-year average of $657.6 million.

Butte County Agricultural Commissioner Katharine Quist emphasized that the figures reflect commodity value only, not grower profit.

“The values presented in this report are gross values only and do not reflect net farm income or costs of production and marketing,” Quist wrote in a letter to CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

Quist also described agriculture as a “key and foundational industry in our region,” noting that it supports not only farmers but also professionals in banking, transportation and equipment services. According to regional data cited in the report, agriculture contributes an estimated $4.1 billion in economic activity across Northeastern California and supports more than 43,000 jobs, roughly one in seven local positions.

Walnuts’ rise to the top was driven by the sharpest value increase noted in the report. Grower prices more than doubled, from $785 per ton in 2023 to $1,720 in 2024, while yield per acre slipped from 2 tons to 1.7 tons and bearing acreage declined from 54,428 to 51,390 acres.

According to the California Walnut Commission’s 2024 industry update, the walnut industry “experienced a significant rebound in 2024, driven by improved pricing, reduced carryover and strong global demand.”

That statewide trend was reflected locally, as Butte County growers benefited from higher prices and immediate export opportunities. With no carryover inventory from the previous season, harvest shipments began early, reaching 59 countries and helping walnuts rise to the top of Butte County’s crop rankings for the first time on record.

Almonds ranked second in total crop value at $122.6 million, rebounding after a sluggish 2023. Bearing acreage dipped from 36,600 to 34,920 acres, but yield improved from 0.8 to 0.9 tons per acre. The price per ton rose from $3,100 to $3,900, pushing total value up by more than $31.8 million. Almond hulls added another $2.8 million, though down from $4.4 million the previous year.

Rice followed in third at $118.2 million, remaining a cornerstone crop despite a reduction in acreage. Growers planted 71,388 acres in 2024, down from 85,444 acres in 2023. Yield per acre rose slightly from 4.5 to 4.8 tons, but the price per ton fell from $425 to $345, resulting in a $45.2 million drop in value. Rice seed contributed an additional $13.4 million, down from $29.7 million the previous year.

Peaches experienced a sharp decline. Acreage fell from 1,342 to 1,139 acres, and yield dropped from 19 to 14 tons per acre. The price per ton remained relatively stable, but total value fell from $16 million to $10 million.

Pistachios brought in $5.1 million, down from $6.3 million. Acreage increased, but yield dropped from 2.0 to 1.25 tons per acre, and the price per ton fell from $4,000 to $3,700.

Olives for oil generated $1 million, a modest increase over 2023. Yield improved slightly, and prices remained steady.

Fruit and nut crops dominated the report, generating a combined value of $343 million, an increase of nearly $86 million over the previous year. That category includes high-performing staples like walnuts and almonds, as well as miscellaneous crops such as apples, apricots, grapes, mandarins, persimmons and pecans, which together contributed $4 million in 2024. Total acreage rose to 105,261 acres, up from 101,479, reflecting both new plantings and maturing orchards entering full production.

By contrast, field crops saw a notable decline, dropping from $182.2 million in 2023 to $145.7 million in 2024. Rice remained the largest contributor in that category, followed by miscellaneous field crops, dry edible beans and pasture. Irrigated pasture held steady at $2.1 million, while other pasture lands increased in value by nearly $1 million.

Nursery stock remained consistent, generating $18.2 million across 273 acres. Vegetable crops brought in $1.3 million, down slightly from the previous year.

Timber production rose modestly, with harvested timber valued at $2.2 million, up from $2 million in 2023. The report notes that timber data is provided by the State Board of Equalization’s Timber Tax Division.

Organic agriculture accounted for $29 million in gross value across 6,170 acres, with 63 producers and 23 handlers registered in Butte County. Top organic commodities included rice, walnuts, almonds, peaches and nursery stock.

Livestock values remained steady, totaling $15.6 million in 2024 compared to $15.2 million the previous year. Cattle and calves led the category, generating $13.9 million from 13,800 head and a total live weight of 73,000 hundredweight. The average price per hundredweight rose to $190, up from $185 in 2023.

Sheep production increased, with 2,500 head, generating $450,000 in total value, an increase from $420,000 in 2023, despite a slight drop in total live weight. Miscellaneous livestock, including hogs, poultry and goats contributed $1.3 million, down from $1.6 million the previous year.

Milk production brought in $1.3 million, a slight decrease from $1.3 million in 2023. The report includes both market and manufacturing milk.

Apiary products, including pollination services and hive-related commodities, totaled $17.4 million, a decrease of more than $2.2 million from the previous year. Pollination services accounted for $14 million, while other products such as wax and combs added $3.4 million.

The report also highlights the county’s pest exclusion and detection efforts, including 1,066 traps placed to monitor invasive species and 356 shipments inspected for exotic pests. The department continues to collaborate with California Detector Dog Teams to enhance parcel inspections.

In a dedication included in the report, the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office honored Louie B. Mendoza Jr., who retired in December 2024 after 22 years of service to Butte County and a 38-year career in public agriculture. Mendoza was recognized for his leadership in statewide policy, environmental stewardship, and founding the Bee Where Program.

The 2024 report marks the 85th annual submission from Butte County, which has published agricultural summaries since 1939.