b'E C O N O M YAgriculture is a major component of the countys economic viability. As with many counties, Power County is experiencing changes in the farming industry. Farms are becoming larger and more mechanized, thus employing fewer residents. Although there is a commitment to protect farming, there is also an awareness that farming will not suce as the sole driver for the economic well-being of the county. Power County is committed to diversication of its economy. County citizens and leaders realize it is necessary to create mutually benecial relationships with the changing world economy. The county is actively exploring new energy, industrial, manufacturing, distributing, and commercial opportunities. The county has not traditionally attempted to compete with the cities or towns to recruit economic development. However, land for commerce and industry should be encouraged where it can annex into city and towns.7AgricultureTotal and Per Farm Overview, 2017 and change since 20122017 % change since 2012Number of farms 295 -4Land in farms (acres) 486,377 +4Average size of farm (acres) 1,649 +9Percent of county land in farms 52.7%FIGURE 6. Power County Total Farm Overview 112017 Market Value of Agricultural Products SoldCounties Sales ($1,000) Rank in State Producing ItemTotal235,442 11 44Crops210,861 5 44Grains, oilseeds, dry beans, dry peas53,582 6 42Tobacco- - -Cotton and cottonseed- - -Vegetables, melons, potatoes, sweet potatoes129,249 2 41Fruits, tree nuts, berries- - 37Nursery, greenhouse, \x1boriculture, sod(D) 15 43Cultivated Christmas trees, short rotation woody crops- - 14Other crops and hay(D) 10 44Livestock, poultry, and products24,581 20 44Poultry and eggs5 33 43Cattle and calves20,867 18 44Milk from cows(D) 20 35Hogs and pigs- - 40Sheep, goats, wool, mohair, milk(D) 40 43576 I D A H O I N F R A S T R U C T U R E G U I D E B O O K'