SLO County News BlogGolf, Wine, Real Estate, Business & Travel NewsSLO County Agriculture led by Wine GrapesTuesday, April 04, 2006Led by wine grapes, San Luis Obispo County agriculture production grew 11 percent last year, adding $1.5 billion to the local economy, officials reported.The county's annual crop report for 2005 showed agriculture brought in a record $596.7 million despite major reductions in avocado and apple crops. Wine, cattle and vegetables led the way. Wine grapes grew by 47 percent in value over 2004 to $194 million. "Ag in our county continues to be a strong economic force," county agricultural commission Bob Lilley said. Higher demand and near-record prices for beef put cattle in the No. 2 position. The value of beef for 2005 was estimated at $53 million, down nearly 3 percent from $54.4 million in 2004. Read entire article at: Growers report a mixed bag for 2005 The Tribune, Julie Lynem To see more of The Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to www.sanluisobispo.com. (c) 2005, The Tribune, San Luis Obispo, Calif. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News. Read More
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