County Ag Statistics

Ross County, located in South Central Ohio, has a population of approximately 75,000. The county seat of Chillicothe is an important industrial and retail center that serves several counties in southern Ohio. 

The area is well served by highways with U.S. 23, U.S. 35, and U.S. 50 crossing the county. Two major rail lines serve the county and provide access to important markets for locally produced grain crops.  The area in very rich in Indian and early Ohio history, which has made tourism an important part of the local economy.  Much of the population growth in recent years has taken place in rural areas of the county, making land use a major local issue.

Agricultural land use is dictated by the glacial boundaries that cross Ross County. The northern and western portions are glaciated with level to rolling topography and soils that are well-suited to the intensive production of row crops.  The southern and eastern portions of the county are unglaciated, with more hilly topography and soils that are better suited for forestry and forage crop production.