NORTHAMPTON AGRICULTURE data from 1985
NORTHAMPTON AGRICULTURAL USES
(Source: USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, then known as Soil
Conservation Service, 1985, based on 1984 data)
Total acreage 22,834
Total Prime Farmland Soils 4,093
Percent of Total 18%
Prime Farmland Soils in Agricultural production 2,263
Total State and Locally Important Farmland Soils 4,259
Percent of Total 19%
State and Locally Important Farmland Soils in Ag. Production 585 A
Change in Land Use from 1971 to 1980
Urban 4602 Acres (20%) 5109 Acres (23%) +507 Acres (+11%)
Cropland 3514 (16%) 3262 (14%) -252 (-7%)
Pasture 371 (2%) 233 (1%) -138 (-37%)
Forest 11,924 (53%) 11,790 (52%) -134 (-1%)
Open* 2236 (10%) 2253 (10%) +17 (+.7%)
*(includes wetlands, abandoned farmland, golf courses, etc.)
Full-Time Farms Based in Northampton 8
Type: Dairy 5
Potatoes 1
Orchard 1
Vegetables 2
Full-Time Farms based in other towns 6
Type: Dairy 3
Potatoes 1
Vegetables 1
Hogs and Sheep 1
Part-Time farmers in Northampton 9
Pine Grove/Park Hill Area
Farmer Owned
Total Acres 369
Total Owners 10
Non-Farmer Owned
Total Acres 802
Total Owners approx. 50
Meadows Area
Farmer Owned
Total Acres 1283
Total Owners 14
Non-Farmer Owned
Total Acres 992
Total Owners approx. 56