Agriculture - Nada Haddad and Ron Christie

Agriculture in Rockingham County has changed over the years; today’s industry is quite diverse, encompassing different crops, livestock, and specialty products. Agriculture has a major influence on Rockingham County’s character, quality of life, and has a significant impact on the economy, employment base, and tax revenue. The top crops produced in Rockingham County are nursery and greenhouse crops, fruits and berries, hay and silage, vegetables, sweet corn, and melons. Dairy and livestock are still an important part of the agricultural industry.

More than half the farms in Rockingham County are run by part-time family operators. The latest United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture (2007) reveals that there are 594 farms (a 32 percent increase from the 2002 Agriculture Census) covering 33,570,000 acres.

Agriculture makes an important contribution to the economy. The market value of agriculture products sold in Rockingham county is more than $19,544,000. Rockingham County ranks nationwide 38th of all 3,142 USA counties in direct agricultural marketing to consumers, with sales of $3,685,000.

• Education Center and Info Line provides information and answers questions about your home, garden, fruit trees, or lawn. The center is staffed 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and Wednesday evenings 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Toll free number (NH Only): 1-877-EXT-GROW (1-877-398-4769) or email your questions.
• Soil Testing - Our lab will analyze your soil sample and return recommendations for amending your soil to promote optimum plant growth. Compost testing, too!
• Insect Identification - Get those unknown insects, spiders, and mites identified.
• Plant Diagnostic Laboratory (Plant Diseases) - An Extension Plant Health specialist will diagnose plant diseases, stress-related disorders, and pests for both commercial and home gardeners.
• Extension Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who share their enthusiasm for gardening with the general public. Over 500 Master Gardener volunteers have completed training in scientifically-based gardening information, and provided thousands of volunteer hours to serve communities through a variety of activities coordinated through their local county Extension office. Upon completion of training, interns volunteer 45 hours in the 12-month period following training, and 15 hours a year thereafter.

For more information, contact:
Nada Haddad, Extension Educator, at nada.haddad@unh.edu or 603-679-5616.
Ron Christie, Agriculture Program Assistant, at ron.christie@unh.edu or 603-679-5616.