By the numbers: Washington state asparagus production

Acres of asparagus grown in Washington state: 4,400 acres

Average yield in pounds per acre: 5,000

Total yield: 22 million pounds

Portion of crop sold on the fresh market: 90 percent

Portion of crop sold pickled or frozen: 10 percent

State’s share of all asparagus grown in the U.S.: about 40 percent (Washington, Michigan and California are the top asparagus-growing states)

Total amount asparagus production contributes to the state’s economy: $50 million

Jobs related to asparagus production in the state: about 3,000, including some 2,200 cutters in the field and about 730 workers in packing sheds

Number of asparagus farms: 60

Number of asparagus farmers: 75

Number of asparagus farms that are family farms: All except one

Approximate start date for Washington state asparagus crop: While the exact year is unknown, asparagus has been cultivated in Washington state for at least 110 years.

– Source: Washington Asparagus Commission