Agriculture

Delta County’s wide range of elevation - with a low of 4,758 feet and a high of 11,396 feet - allows for secluded valleys within the county. These sheltered, quiet valleys provide a perfect environment for growing unique fruits and vegetables that grow in few places in the world. Delta County has shown steady growth in the number of farms between 1987 and 1997. In 1987, the number of farms in the region was 900, but had reached 1,041 farms by 1997.

Agriculture has always been a primary industry in Delta County. With over 281,000 acres dedicated to agriculture, an abundance of water and diversity of climate, Delta County has always been a major producer of high quality produce and livestock.

Delta County is the major apple producing region of Colorado. There are over 346,000 trees that represent nearly 77% of all apple trees in the state. Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Fuji and Jonathan apples are the primary varieties grown, but many other varieties are currently being field-tested.

Delta County also continues to be the leading producer of pears in Colorado. Over 22,200 trees represent 53% of the state’s total production. Bartlett, Red Bartlett, Red Anjou and other Asian varieties make up the bulk of pear production.

As of 2002, Delta County is the second-largest grape growing region of Colorado. Approximately 97,000 vines are being grown on 115 acres, with new vines being added all the time. Reisling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, Pinot Gris and Pinot noir are the most popular varieties of grapes being grown. Delta County is also the second-largest wine producing region of Colorado, with 14 vineyards and seven wine tasting rooms. Many of the wines produced in this region have won Gold Medals at national and international wine-judging events.

Peaches have become the most important fruit crop in terms of value of production in Colorado, and Delta County is the second-largest peach growing region of the state. Delta County presently grows 21% of the total peaches produced. Over 107,000 trees are currently in production.

The majority of farming operations in Delta County are family-owned and operated. As of the 1997 Census of Agriculture, there were 1,041 farms and ranches with 281,889 acres in operation.

A wide variety of produce is grown in the area, including organic fruits and vegetables. Presently, the crops that contributing most to the local economy include hay, corn, dry beans, squash, vegetables, and fruits. Sugar beets have been recently tested, and show significant promise as a profitable crop. Total crop sales in 2002 exceeded $16,551,000.

Livestock ranchers raise more than just cattle in Delta County. Buffalo, elk, llama and exotic fowl (for both food and feathers) compliment the beef industry.
As of December 31, 2007, there were over 22,000 head of cattle and calves. Livestock sales in 2004 exceeded $23,906,000.

The Western Colorado Food & Ag Council launched this campaign to help put Delta County on the map!
Call 970-250-8173 for more
information