Agriculture

Agriculture brings continual economic growth to the Platte County region. Platte County is a production agriculture oriented community, with a growing number of ranchers and farmers in the region focusing on value-added agriculture. Residents promote and support the agricultural community. The State of Wyoming and Platte County government have encouraged the development of agriculture, including promoting discussion on questions such as local agriculture, plants, growing, livestock, product development, water rights and other pertinent issues.

Number and Size of Operations based on most recent statistics

Number of Farms & Ranches 462

Total Acres in Farms & Ranches 1,344,358

Total Cropland Acres 211,768

Average Size Farm or Ranch 2,910

Median Size of Farm & Ranches 735

Value of Land & Buildings (per farm) $ 951,813

Value of Inventory and Production

Inventory Value of Livestock $ 122,427,000

Value of Crop Production $ 18,635,000

Total Value $ 141,062,000

Cash Receipts

From Livestock Marketings $ 75,707,000

From Crop Marketings $ 6,906,000

Total Marketings $ 82,613,000

Livestock includes beef and dairy cattle, sheep and hogs.  Major crops include native and alfalfa hay, wheat, barley, oats, corn, dry beans, and sugar beets. 

In addition there has been an increase in the production of specialty crops such as grapes, raspberries, organic wheat and other more labor intensive crops.  There is also a group of ranchers who are raising organic and grass fed beef.