Years ago in Stephens County agriculture accounted for the largest portion of gross income.  Of course, times change and economies of scale are the norm for agriculture productions.  Most of the row crops are now located in the southern part of the state due mostly to suitable sized fields for production.  When you talk about automated cotton pickers costing from $175,000 to over $200,000 you need large flat fields and have most of them in close proximity.

    Although Stephens County doesn’t have an abundance of large tract flat fields, it does have great soils for agricultural production.  In fact, many years ago when farms were smaller and families grew most of their own food for consumption, cotton was grown in Stephens County. 

     As the need for more acres to support higher input costs (and a little help form the bole weevil) Stephens County moved away from cotton and other row crop production and increased its livestock and poultry production. 

     Today Stephens County is a top producer in poultry, livestock and forage production.  In 2006, the gross income received from agriculture products or production was over $55 million. That is a pretty substantial figure adding to the income of Stephens County.  While the $55 million sounds big it is small in comparison to the overall economic input to Stephens County. 

     Economic multipliers are incorporated by economists to show the overall economic affect income in certain sectors has on the economy.  The multiplier for Stephens County is 1.3.  That gives an economic impact of over $75,059,000 from Stephens County agriculture in 2006.  The mulitiplier takes into account all direct and indirect reactions from gross income.  Some of the more visible factors are labor, construction, purchasing new vehicles, taxes, retail purchases, etc.

     Stephens County agriculture not only makes economic sensce, but also gives us consumer confidence that we are receiving a safe food supply from U.S. farmers.  And, when you stop to think about it, what better addition to rural living than green pastures and grazing cattle.  

Source: Living Here 2008 Your guide to living, working and playing in Toccoa-Stephens County.