The major tobacco producing area of the county is the Cedar Grove township. Farmers there are faced with constant management decisions in dealing with an ever changing tobacco situation. Many tobacco farmers are looking to diversify their operations and lessen their dependence on the tobacco crop. The traditional agricultural heritage of the county is changing with the region. Retired dairy and beef farmers are now producing high quality hay for the growing horse population housed in many boarding stables in the county.
Farmers are keenly aware of their responsibility as guardians of our natural resources.
A major concern of today's farmer is to preserve and conserve prime farmland for future agricultural use. Although the number of full-time farmers in the county has decreased, the average acreage per farm has risen. Orange County is recognized for its outstanding farmers who are helping to maintain agriculture as a thriving occupation. With a growing non-farm population, there will be a continuing market for the food products already produced and for an expanding market for vegetables, fruits and ornamental plants.