<P> The tobacco market had declined and many planters in northern Virginia converted to mixed crops . Like them , by 1766 Washington had ceased growing tobacco at Mount Vernon and replaced the crop with wheat , corn , and other grains . Besides hemp and flax , he experimented with 60 other crops including cotton and silk . He also derived income from a new gristmill which produced cornmeal and flour for export and also ground neighbors ' grain for fees . Washington similarly sold the services of the estate 's looms and blacksmith . He built and operated a small fishing fleet , permitting Mount Vernon to export fish . Washington also practiced the selective breeding of sheep in an effort to produce better quality wool . </P>
<P> The tobacco market had declined and many planters in northern Virginia converted to mixed crops . Like them , by 1766 Washington had ceased growing tobacco at Mount Vernon and replaced the crop with wheat , corn , and other grains . Besides hemp and flax , he experimented with 60 other crops including cotton and silk . He also derived income from a new gristmill which produced cornmeal and flour for export and also ground neighbors ' grain for fees . Washington similarly sold the services of the estate 's looms and blacksmith . He built and operated a small fishing fleet , permitting Mount Vernon to export fish . Washington also practiced the selective breeding of sheep in an effort to produce better quality wool . </P>
who established an experimental farm at mount vernon
who established an experimental farm at mount vernon
Washington
Washington