While the beef industry is number four in terms of farm income, it is clearly number one in terms of land use. Dairy, aquaculture, and lumber and wood products also make significant contributions to the agricultural economy of the County. Dairy production continues to decline, according to the 1997 Ag Census, however, two major dairy processing plants operate in the County. Unfortunately, data on the value of their products is not available. Ornamental tropical fish production is the main aquaculture industry in Polk County.
Production is centered in the north Lakeland area.
Lumber and wood products are also important. Among the products produced in local Manufacturing facilities are pressure treated lumber, wood pallets, and mulch. As one can see from the numbers, agriculture is an important part of the Polk County economy. Ad valorem tax on agricultural land is based on its use value as opposed to its market value, taxes on some agricultural land is significantly less than non agricultural land. Because of this, some people believe that agriculture land doesn't pay its way.