b'E C O N O M YWhile sales are denitely leaking out of the County to Idaho Falls and other locations, the County has the ability to attract some shoppers from surrounding cities and counties and to expand its services as the commercial center of the Upper Snake River Valley. In addition, Madison Countys proximity to recreation attractions, the presence of educational opportunities, and the strong agricultural sector can provide diverse economic opportunities and resources.A key component of the County economy is the strong agriculture industry. Madison Countys main industry is agriculture, with grain, hay and potatoes as the chief crops. The area is known as a rich, potato region with three potato processing plants that operate nine to ten months each year. There are also 11 fresh market potato warehouses. The land changes from semi-desert on the west side to a mineral-rich, volcanic soil east of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River. Agriculture is largely located in the unincorporated County and remains an important economic generator for food processing plants which are located throughout the County and within the City of Rexburg. While very few industries are expected to decline, crop production and support services for agriculture and forestry are among the few declining industries.Madison County needs more economic diversication in order to reduce dependence on agricultural employment and relatively low-paying jobs at call centers. Currently, the County relies heavily on employment at BYU-Idaho for its higher-paying jobs, with a large percentage of the population also employed at the Countys school districts, the hospital and within the County government.6AgricultureTotal and Per Farm Overview, 2017 and change since 20122017 % change since 2012Number of farms 454 -4Land in farms (acres) 196,046 -3Average size of farm (acres) 432 +1Percent of county land in farms 64.8%FIGURE 6. Madison County Total Farm Overview 82017 Market Value of Agricultural Products SoldCounties Sales ($1,000) Rank in State Producing ItemTotal157,018 15 44Crops146,382 8 44Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, dry peas42,352 12 42Tobacco- - -Cotton and cottonseed- - -Vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes96,497 6 41Fruits, tree nuts, berries48 17 37Nursery, greenhouse, \x1boriculture, sod697 20 43MADISON County 515'