Clarke County, VA

Clarke County, named for revolutionary war hero, George Rogers Clarke, was formed in 1836 from Frederick County. This area was part of Lord Fairfax's 5 million acre property.  A young George Washington surveyed the area for Lord Fairfax.  In the latter part of the 18th century many descendants of Tidewater Virginia's most prestigious families moved here, bringing with them their plantation lifestyle and love of fox hunting. Since its establishment by the Virginia General Assembly in 1836, Clarke County has valued its land and its people. One of the hallmarks of government in Clarke County is its effort to conserve the County’s agricultural character and natural environment.

Clarke County is one of Virginia’s most scenic and productive agricultural areas. Located in the northwest region of the state next to Frederick County, the City of Winchester and the West Virginia border, and is home to 496 farms covering 67,919 acres. The county also has close to 17,000 head of cattle, including beef cows and some milk cows, as well as hogs and sheep. Typically more than 4,000 acres of corn are planted annually; 1,100 acres of soybeans and 16,000 acres in hay. Clarke County agriculture generated $18.9 million in cash receipts in 2007.

Agricultural Acreage in 2007: 67,919 acres
Number of Farms: 496
Number of Farm Markets: 1 (June through October)
Top three to five Agricultural Products: Cattle & calves, milk & dairy products, and horses.

Total Local Economic Contribution of Agriculture:

• Market Value of Agriculture Production: $821,901,000
• Per farm average $44,156
• Crop sales $5,233,000 (24%)
• Livestock Sales $16,669,000 (76%)

Other Farm-Related Products or Activities in the County: Soybeans, corn other grains,
Clarke County Farm Day

Agricultural Lands protected: 18,000 acres (PECVA 2009)

Principal Agricultural Contacts:

Virginia Farm Bureau, County Representative:
Randy Buckley, Winchester, VA 22602 540-869-8650

Virginia Cooperative Extension: Jake Grove - Unit Coordinator (540) 955-5164 ex043@vt.edu