Best farmland in PA? (Erie, Lancaster: houses, shopping centers, housing)

[sp2007]

So I have heard my whole life that the Amish/Lancaster areas of PA were the best, that it was the original breadbasket of the US. I've always thought this was the area between Harrisburg and Philly.

Is this true? Are the soils and land there still the best in the State for crops?

[lititzman2003]

According to the Amish, Lancaster County has the best soil for crop growth. The prime land is located in an area bounded by Routes 501, 30, 10 and 322.

[mancat100]

Much of the best farmland in PA has been carted off to God knows where when they built houses, shopping centers and assorted other crap over it.

[sp2007]

So is there now a better place to farm in PA?

[mancat100]

The great Appalachian valley historically also has excellent farmland. Locally it's called the Cumberland, Lebanon and Lehigh Valley depending on where you are. These areas are also experiencing some serious sprawl issues.

[Icy Tea]

I can honestly say that Berks has some farmland that is equal to Lancaster, just not as much of it. Much of Lancaster is flat and Berks has more hills. Its all in the limestone. Oley in particular has some of the best farmland anywhere which is why it never got developed for housing. Exeter Twp had a portion of it but some prime farmland did get developed, sadly. You can google up a map that will show you where the limestone soils are throughout the area.
But Lehigh, Lebanon, Berks, York, the western parts of Chester and even the far northwestern fringes of Montgomery county still have excellent farmland. Recently a farmer in Berks set a record for corn production in a new kind of no till planting process. he beat out states like Iowa and Nebraska. I think Pa's good weather played a role but the excellent soil qualities were also a big factor.
Berks and Lancaster are always vying for top spot nationally in farmland preservation, happily.

[julian17033]

So true.

Originally Posted by mancat100

Much of the best farmland in PA has been carted off to God knows where when they built houses, shopping centers and assorted other crap over it.

[lititzman2003]

Originally Posted by mancat100

Much of the best farmland in PA has been carted off to God knows where when they built houses, shopping centers and assorted other crap over it.

I agree with you, although there still is some good soil left in the county. When they built our house the developer sold the good soil and probably bought in fill from a landfill somewhere. After we moved in I pulled out dozens of plastic bottles, bags and cereal boxes out of the ground that were just below the surface.

[sp2007]

Thank you everyone, your thoughts are much appreciated and has given me a good place to start my research.

[ker8]

i've always heard the best soil was right on the border of Lake Erie. Couldn't tell you if it's true or not (I'm not a farmer), but it's the only place people seem to grow grapes around here!