Agriculture.  Really, it wouldn't be the right start to any blog about Preble County Ohio without fair mention of what makes the world go-round here, and that is a strong agricultural base.

Broken down demographically, about 19% of Preble County is considered "urban", while the remaining 81% is rural.  Below were the statistics regarding agriculture in Preble County as of 2007, so of course some numbers have changed since then, but this does give a good picture of what we are all about...

Agriculture in Preble County
Average size of farms: 186 acres
Average value of agricultural products sold per farm: $54611
Average value of crops sold per acre for harvested cropland: $198.84
Average total farm production expenses per farm: $58937
Harvested cropland as a percentage of land in farms: 82.32%
Average market value of all machinery and equipment per farm: $70035
The percentage of farms operated by a family or individual: 92.21%
Average age of principal farm operators: 54 years
Average number of cattle and calves per 100 acres of all land in farms: 8.42
Milk cows as a percentage of all cattle and calves: 9.93%
Corn for grain: 60306 harvested acres
All wheat for grain: 6784 harvested acres
Soybeans for beans: 85633 harvested acres
Vegetables: 72 harvested acres
Land in orchards: 74 acres

Main crops grown in Preble are corn, wheat and soy bean.  Main livestock raised is pork.  The annual Preble County fair offers opportunity for the "City folk", such as me to take a look at the form and function of the agricultural process, from open class judging to livestock judging to crop display, and lets not forget 4-H.

4-H is very popular in Preble County, with over 56 4-H clubs.  4-H gives the kids the responsibility to raise and care for their own animals.  But it doesn't stop at animals.  4-H projects also include sewing, cooking, photography, woodworking, dog training and showing, fishing, gardening and much more.

Agriculture is just a natural way of life around here, and I like how it keeps things at a leisurely pace.  Its not uncommon to spot a tractor making its way thru town, or watch the livestock trucks roll thru town on the way to the local auctions.  Gently rolling hills scattered with bails, the smell of fresh cut hay, the annual September tradition of the Preble County Pork Festival.  Life in the slow lane. 

Sound good?  I might be a city girl but I'd be happy to provide you all the information you need about agcriculture or just life in general here in Preble County Ohio.