The greater Fredericksburg area includes, in addition to the City, the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and parts of Fauquier, Orange and Westmoreland Counties. This region ranges from the tidal Potomac River, which is about two miles wide, to the Piedmont, an area between the coastal plain and the mountains. Generally the land is level to somewhat hilly. Row crops such as corn, soybeans and small grains such as winter wheat and barley are the predominant crops. Raising cattle and, further west, sheep are other sources of revenue.
Truck farms grow produce such as squash, sweet corn, melons, etc.
Timber production is another agricultural pursuit. Loblolly pine is the commercial leader. Several paper and saw mills are nearby. Climate is generally moderate. The growing season, from last frost to first killing frost lasts about 222 days.