Madera County’s agricultural production reached $2.61 billion in 2025, an increase of $286.3 million, or approximately 12.3%, from the previous year, according to the county’s newly released 2025 Crop and Livestock Report.
The report, prepared by the Madera County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, shows that almonds remained the county’s leading agricultural commodity, while milk, pistachios and cattle recorded substantial increases in value.
Total agricultural production rose from $2.33 billion in 2024 to $2.61 billion in 2025, reflecting shifts in commodity prices, production volumes and market conditions.
Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures Rusty Lantsberger noted in the report that annual crop values are influenced by production, market and weather conditions.
The figures represent gross agricultural commodity values and do not account for production costs or net returns to farmers.
Almonds remain Madera County’s leading crop
Almonds, including hulls, generated $751.5 million in 2025, compared with $702.2 million in 2024.
Milk ranked second at $563.1 million, up from $338.3 million the previous year. The increase of approximately $224.8 million was one of the largest gains among the county’s agricultural commodities.
Pistachios moved into third place, generating $370.2 million, compared with $270.3 million in 2024.
Grapes ranked fourth at $274.3 million, followed by cattle and calves at $208.7 million.
Dairy, livestock and pistachios post major gains
Dairy production contributed significantly to the county’s agricultural growth.
Milk production increased from 17.1 million hundredweight in 2024 to 31.2 million hundredweight in 2025, even as the average price declined from $19.74 to $18.07 per hundredweight.
The report identifies 26 dairies operating in Madera County, with approximately 62,000 lactating cows.
Cattle and calves increased in value from $153.2 million to $208.7 million. Replacement heifers rose from $53.3 million to $73.3 million.
Pistachio production also strengthened, increasing from 71,177 tons in 2024 to 87,890 tons in 2025. The crop’s value climbed by approximately $99.9 million.
However, not every agricultural category experienced growth.
Apiary products declined from $173.3 million to $17.3 million, largely reflecting a steep decrease in reported pollination value. Vegetable crop values also fell from $60.7 million to $54.8 million.
Madera County agriculture reaches 74 countries
Beyond production values, the report highlights Madera County’s role in international agricultural trade.
Agricultural commodities from the county reached 74 countries in 2025, including India, Germany, Vietnam, the Netherlands and Spain.
The county also reported 63 registered organic producers and 18 handlers and processors, with organic production covering more than 38,152 acres and generating an estimated $104.6 million.
Fruit and nut crops remained the largest agricultural category, producing approximately $1.53 billion in gross value.
The report provides an annual benchmark for growers, agricultural lenders, processors and businesses serving Madera County’s farming economy as they evaluate production trends and commodity performance heading into 2026.
Related story: Tulare County agriculture tops $9.1 billion in 2025. Which commodities led the way?
