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Agriculture in Person County, North Carolina In this small, rural county, populated by some 30,000 individuals, agriculture is the basic industry providing economic support to the majority of families and individuals living here. There are over 753 farms located here with their average size being 125 acres. These farms produce a total gross income of $32.3 million. This is the largest income figure produced by any of Person's local industries.  Person County was formed from a portion of Caswell County in 1791. It is named for General Thomas Person, an officer in the Revolutionary War.The only town in the county is the county seat, Roxboro, which has a population of approximately 8,000. Person County is located in North Carolina's rolling north central Piedmont. Elevations range from 467 to 800 feet; the average temperature is 60 degrees; and the average rainfall is 45 inches. Harvested cropland totals about 33,600 acres with pastures accounting for another 20,000 acres. Woodland acreage is by far the largest of the county's remaining 256,000 acres and is becoming a more significant resource and play a more important role in the county's agricultural basis. Field crops provide the county with $22.9 million in gross annual income with tobacco being the largest source. Livestock adds over $4.0 million; feed grain, vegetables and berries account for another $5.0 million; forestry adds over $3.5 million; and milk, wool, and honey products provide almost $1.0 million in income. Tobacco continues to be the county's leading agricultural income producer. Person's soils and weather conditions allow for the production of a type and quality of tobacco that is in high demand worldwide because of its flavor, aroma, and blending qualities. The production quality of hay is increasing annually. A rise in horse ownership has caused the demand for hay to more than triple in recent years. To assist in the production of many of these agricultural crops and particularly tobacco, the county has a large influx during the growing and harvesting season of Mexican immigrants. Several thousand Mexican workers and their families work in Person County providing a much needed labor base. While providing needed labor, this large group of immigrants also brings significant social and health issues. A strong agricultural basis of the county has been a contributing factor to recent economic development activities. Because of the county's significant acreage in heavily timbered woodlands, the county has been able to attract Louisiana Pacific and Georgia Pacific to construct new plants in Person County. More than half of the county's acreage is in woodland and this has been seen as a significant resource for the success of these two industries. Person County, since its formation, has relied heavily on agriculture to produce a substantial income for its local residents. This income then turns over in the community several times affording many other local businesses. Agriculture is the backbone of Person County's economy. It is anticipated that for the long-term, Person County will remain primarily rural and, therefore, agriculture will remain a key source of local income. By Derek Day Person County Cooperative Extension Director | |||
