Prince William County, VA

Prince William County is 1,384 square miles in geographic area and located a short distance from the Nation’s Capital. Its boundaries are formed by Loudoun and Fairfax Counties to the north, Fauquier County to the west, Stafford County to the south, and the Potomac River to the east.

The county has experienced rapid growth in population and is the 3rd most populous jurisdiction in Virginia. In December 2006, the population was estimated to be 378,455. This figure represents roughly a 34.8 percent growth since the 2000 population of 280,813. The County has projected a 2030 population of 555,012.

Beef cattle, raised on more than half of Prince William County's 350 farms, are the agricultural mainstay in Prince William. Hay is grown on 8,200 acres of farmland in the County and is used for livestock feed. Among the gently rolling hills, a smattering of farms grows apples, tomatoes and grapes. In addition, several hundred sheep are also raised in the County.

Agricultural Acreage in 2007: 32,816 acres
Number of Farms: 345
Number of Farm Markets: 6
http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vagrown/frmsmkts.shtml

Top three to five Agricultural Products: Nursery, green house and floriculture, Milk & other dairy products, Cattle & Calves.

Total Local Economic Contribution of Agriculture:

• Revenue from agriculture: $9,429,000.
• Revenue per farm average $27,330,
• Crop sales 4,865,000 (21%)
• Livestock Sales $ 4,564,000 (48%)

Other Farm-Related Products or Activities in the County: Annual Prince William County Fair: http://www.pwcfair

Agricultural Lands protected: 819.98 acres (Source Virginia Outdoors Fund)

Principal Agricultural Contacts:

Elaine Yankey: President, Prince William County Virginia Farm Bureau 703-754-7600
elaineyankey@verizon.net

Prince William County Soil & Water Conservation District:
Kate Norris, District Manager
540 594-3621
katenorris@pwswcd.org

Virginia Cooperative Extension: 703-792-6289 - Main Office