Grapes, including wine varietals like this bunch of cabernet sauvignon, became San Joaquin County's No. 1 agricultural commodity in 2009. Press file photo
According to a report released today by the county’s agricultural commissioner, agriculture raked in more than $2 billion in 2009. Decreased values in a number of crops and commodities led to a 6.5 percent drop from 2008’s historic high of $2.13 billion.
One of the goods to take a hit was dairy. According to commissioner Scott Hudson, milk production historically leads the county’s agricultural sector. This year, however, grape sales — spurred by the county’s burgeoning wine industry — topped the list of San Joaquin County commodities.
Field crops, such as hay and corn, seed crops and nursery numbers also declined from 2008 to 2009, as did livestock prices, according to Hudson.
But farmers tending vegetable crops saw a 33 percent surge.
Hudson also made special note of the county’s growing olive oil industry. He estimated that about 10,000 olive trees will be added each year in the county through the next decade.
For all the folks who were whining about losing Bass Pro Shops (including dfras13)....
We have three wineries in Tracy, CA.
The three Tracy Hills Wineries are (in alphabetical order):
La Bonne Vie Cellars
Address: 29181 S. Lehman Rd., Tracy, CA 95304
Telephone: (209) 836-2188
Open weekends 11 AM - 4:30 PM
Ramon Rios Vineyards and Winery
Address: 8482 W. Linne Rd., Tracy, CA 95304
Telephone: (209) 839-6781
Open Fridays 3 - 7:30 PM and weekends from 11 AM - 4:30
Wines include Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Tempranillo, Petite Syrah, and Port.
Windmill Ridge Winery
8350 West Linne Road, Tracy, CA 95304
Telephone: (209)834-0005
Open weekends 11 AM - 4:30
Wines include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a dessert wine similar to Port called Doce Fim.