Kiwifruit hangs from vines in an orchard featured in Yuba County's 2025 Crop and Livestock Report. For the first time, kiwi ranked as the county's most valuable agricultural commodity, generating nearly $58 million in gross value. Photo courtesy of Yuba County Department of Agriculture

YUBA COUNTY, CA (MPG) - For the first time, kiwi has overtaken rice as Yuba County's most valuable agricultural commodity, according to the county's newly released 2025 Crop and Livestock Report. Kiwi generated an estimated $57.9 million in gross value in 2025, climbing from third place in 2024 to first in 2025 and narrowly surpassing rice, which brought in $56.9 million.

The milestone comes as Yuba County's overall agricultural production value increased nearly 10%, reaching approximately $287.8 million compared with $262.1 million in 2024. According to Yuba County Agricultural Commissioner Stephen Scheer, the figures represent estimated gross production values and do not account for operating expenses or other production costs.

Kiwi's rise to the top was largely driven by higher market prices rather than increased production. The county harvested approximately 12,172 tons of kiwi in 2025, slightly less than the 12,255 tons harvested the previous year. However, the estimated value per ton increased from $3,920 to $4,758, helping push the crop's overall value up nearly $9.9 million.

Rice, which previously held the top position, dropped to second place despite increasing in value by approximately $4.8 million. Walnuts followed in third place at $49.1 million, down from $51.3 million the previous year as prices declined. Prunes and dried plums remained the county's fourth-most valuable commodity, increasing from $25.3 million to $32.5 million, while livestock rounded out the top five at approximately $23.9 million.

Other commodities experienced mixed results. Almonds increased in value from approximately $9.2 million in 2024 to $12.9 million in 2025, benefiting from higher prices and increased acreage. Meanwhile, cling peaches declined from $16.3 million to $14.5 million as production and harvested acreage decreased. Timber also experienced a substantial decline, falling from approximately $2 million to $724,570, while nursery stock dropped from $4.2 million to $2.8 million.

Fruit and nut crops collectively accounted for approximately $180.6 million in agricultural value, up from $159.3 million in 2024. Field and vegetable crops contributed another $81.6 million.

Beyond the value of crops and livestock themselves, agriculture continues to play a significant role in Yuba County's broader economy. According to an economic impact study cited in the report, agriculture generated an estimated $467.6 million in total economic activity in 2025 when related industries such as processing, transportation, marketing and other agricultural services were included. The industry also accounts for approximately one out of every 11 jobs in Yuba County.

The county's agricultural products continue to reach markets around the world. In 2025, more than 16 million pounds of grapevine, kiwi, dried prunes, almonds and walnuts were exported to countries including Germany, Türkiye, China, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Germany was the largest export destination, receiving approximately 4.7 million pounds, followed by Türkiye with 2.9 million pounds and China with 1.6 million pounds.

The report also documented 25 organic farms operating on an estimated 1,558 acres, along with 39 certified agricultural producers and three certified farmers markets throughout the county.

Despite the increase in overall agricultural value, Scheer noted that producers continue to face long-term challenges from fluctuating commodity prices, rising production costs and adverse weather conditions. The annual crop report is prepared by the Yuba County Department of Agriculture and provides an overview of agricultural production, acreage, commodity values and related activities throughout the county.