Virginia Farms Saw Increased Crops In 2008

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A report says Virginia farms saw increased crop yields and cash receipts last year.

The report is compiled by the state office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service.

According to the report, corn surpassed soybeans as Virginia's No. 1 cash crop in 2008.

Crops that saw increases in production were corn, winter wheat, barley, soybeans, cotton, peanuts, hay and summer potatoes. Oats, tobacco and sweet potatoes saw a decrease in production.

Last year, farmers continued to face high input costs, specifically the costs of fuel, fertilizer and other farm supplies.