Pistachio file photo

Ag values in Kings County grew in 2021, adding $163.7 million from the year prior to reach $2.34 billion.

The 7.5% annual growth comes from jumps in fruit and nut crops, field crops and livestock and poultry.

Fruit and nuts in Kings County grew 12.9% from 2020 to $83.6 million.

Almonds, pistachios and walnuts all had strong years. Almonds values — including hulls and shells — grew 28.3% to $190.7 million. Even with 3,714 acres of new almonds coming online, the price rose an additional $500 per ton.

Pistachios grew 24.9% from 2020 to $267.9 million. Acreage for the nut increased 7,379 to a total of 40,316 acres. The nut also grossed $460 more per ton than in 2020.

Walnuts grew 21.3% from 2020 to $61.9 million, aided by $440 more per ton in value.

Cotton, once Kings County’s biggest cash crop, stayed stagnant for the most part, valued at $149.6 million, up from $149.2 million in 2020 for pima lint. Cotton now ranks No. 3 in Kings County’s top commodities.

Cattle feed performed well in 2021, with alfalfa, corn, wheat and triticale silage all increasing significantly. In total, field crops grew 10.6% year-over-year to $428.98 million.

Milk, Kings County’s top crop, also performed well, with 4% growth taking it — both cow and goat — to $728.9 million.

The value of cattle and calves increased 5.8% to $172,131,000.

Kings County ranked No. 8 in California for ag values in 2020.