The land and climate of New York State are well suited for raising many agricultural products.  Rainfall is usually plentiful in the northeast. The rich soil in level lowlands and river valleys provide  
excellent farmland, and help make

agriculture one of our most important industries.

Almost one third of our state is used for farming. Farming is very important to the economy of New York State.

   Growing Crops 

Most of New York's agricultural products are used as food.  We eat dairy products, eggs, meat, cereal grains, fruits, and vegetables.  Some corn, soybean, and grain products are used to feed livestock.

Fruit orchards and grape vineyards thrive in many areas of New York.  Apples are our state’s most valuable crop.  New York is the third largest apple producing state in the United States.  Only Washington and California grow more apples.  Cherries, strawberries, peaches and pears are also grown.  Vineyards produce grapes, which are turned into juice, jam, and wine.

Vegetables such as potatoes and onions grow in rich soil called muck.  Cabbages, corn, and tomatoes are also grown on New York farms.  Farmers markets are popular throughout New York during the summer and fall harvest seasons.

Maple syrup and maple sugar are produced from the sap of maple trees.  New York is second in the nation in the production of maple products.

                  Raising Animals 

There are two types of cattle. Beef cattle are raised for meat. Leather is made from cattle hides. Dairy cattle produce the milk we drink as well as providing products such as cheese and butter.  The dairy industry is the largest agricultural industry in New York State.  NY is the third largest producer of milk products in the United States.  One dairy cow produces enough milk for ten families to have 1/2 gallon of milk each day!

Poultry farms are also common in New York.  Chickens are raised for their meat as well as being egg producers.  Chickens and eggs are among Americans' most popular foods.  Turkeys and geese are also especially popular as traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Sheep, pigs, and horses are also raised in New York State.  Sheep provide wool and lamb dishes.  Pigs are used to produce pork products such as ham, bacon, and sausage.  Horses are raised in New York as recreational animals. Riding stables and horse racing tracks can be found in many areas of New York.

agriculture:  the business of growing crops and raising animals; farming

economy:  the way a place uses or produces natural resources, goods, and services

dairy: Dairy products are produced by hoofed mammals. Dairy Products include milk, butter, and cheese.

livestock: large hoofed mammals such as cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses.

poultry: birds raised for meat or eggs

 

 

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