Unemployment rates across the Valley in June rose slightly as farms shed jobs ahead of the upcoming harvest season, according to the latest data from the state Employment Development Department.

Fresno County’s June unemployment rate was 8.4 percent, up from 7.5 percent in May but below 9 percent a year ago.

Farm employment posted the largest month-over decline with a drop of 1,000 jobs.

On a year-over basis, government had the largest increase with a gain of 2,700 jobs — 2,000 in local government, 500 in federal and 200 in state government.

In Kings County, the unemployment rate last month was 9.2 percent, up from 7.7 percent in May and below 9.9 percent a year ago.

Kings County farms shed 800 jobs last month, while manufacturing added 200 jobs.

On an annual basis, farms employed 400 less people in June, while nonfarm industries added 500 jobs.

In Madera, the June unemployment rate was 8.1 percent, up from 7.3 percent the month prior but below 9.1 percent a year ago.

Month-over-month, Madera farms lost 800 jobs, while nonfarm industries added 300.

On an annual basis, nonfarm industries had 1,500 more jobs in June, while Madera farms added 700 positions.

The June unemployment rate in Tulare was 9.9 percent, up from 8.7 percent in May and below 10.3 percent a year ago.

Tulare County farms lost 1,100 jobs on a month-over basis. On an annual basis, nonfarm industries added 4,200 jobs, led by 1,300 new jobs in the educational & health services sector. Compared to last year, Tulare farms added 800 jobs.

The state unemployment rate in June stayed unchanged at 4.7 percent compared to the month prior. A year ago, the June unemployment rate was 5.5 percent.