Virginia farms saw an increase in crops and cash last year, according to the Daily Press.

This might be fueled by changes in our culture to buy local foods, and is great for support local farms that are continually faced with increasing costs. If the farming industry in Virginia can be strengthened, it will benefit all residents.

"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."

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