For ages, agriculture in the region has centered around the raising of animals for milk and meat as well as the production of flax. Today, when almost 70 percent of agricultural products come from animal husbandry, nearly one-half of all arable land is used for raising feed crops. In addition, the Oblast has adopted a program for breathing new life into the flax industry. Main crop of the oblast is winter rye.
Much land is under barley, oats, and spring wheat.
In 1999 523.3 million eggs were produced, an average egg productivity of the laying hen being 278 eggs. The oblast's livestock production per capita of the oblast's population exceeds Russia's average corresponding indexes. The dairy business has become a special matter of pride for Vologda farmers over the past 100 years, and one not matched anywhere in Russia. This delicate and delicious brand is made at only six dairies in the Vologda region. To this day, how it's produced remains a secret.