Farm Jobs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts agriculture generates $500-607 million in annual cash receipts from 7,083 farms spanning 464,451 acres, with an average farm size of 66 acres. Despite ranking #47 nationally in total agricultural production due to its small geographic size, Massachusetts excels in high-value specialty crops and sustainable farming practices. The state's agricultural strength lies in quality over quantity, proximity to premium markets, and leadership in the local food movement. Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally in cranberry production, harvesting 1.97-2.2 million barrels annually from 11,600 acres (primarily in Plymouth County and Cape Cod). The cranberry industry generates $1.7 billion annually and supports 6,400+ jobs, making it the state's largest food commodity. Massachusetts is the birthplace of commercial cranberry cultivation, dating to the early 1800s. Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production is the state's #1 agricultural commodity at $144-168 million (29% of total agricultural value), with 10 million square feet of greenhouse space and nearly 3,000 acres dedicated to ornamental horticulture. The state's agricultural diversity extends to dairy (134 farms producing 200 million pounds of milk annually, valued at $45 million), vegetables (19,014 acres with market value growing from 16% to 24% of state agriculture between 2012-2017), fruit orchards (80+ commercial apple farms), maple syrup (#9 nationally with 50,000-70,000 gallons from 300+ producers), and aquaculture (oysters and shellfish valued at $29 million from 395 growers). Massachusetts maintains 198 certified organic farms generating $26+ million in sales. The state pioneered the CSA movement when Robyn Van En launched America's first Community Supported Agriculture operation in South Egremont in 1985; today Massachusetts ranks #6 nationally in CSA farms with 95% growth since 2007. Direct-to-consumer sales have more than doubled from $47.91 million (2012) to $100.47 million (2017), ranking Massachusetts #3 nationally at $55,384 per farm.

**Cranberry Bogs**: Massachusetts ranks #2 nationally in cranberry production, harvesting 1.97-2.2 million barrels annually from 11,600 acres (1 barrel = 100 pounds). The industry generates $1.7 billion annually and supports 6,400+ jobs. Massachusetts is the birthplace of commercial cranberry cultivation (early 1800s), with production concentrated in Plymouth County and Cape Cod (Carver, Plymouth, Nantucket's 170-year-old Milestone Bog). Average yield is 194.7 barrels per acre. Cranberry farming offers seasonal employment including spring bog maintenance, summer weed management, and fall harvest (October peak—"Cranberry Month"). Work includes flood harvesting using water reels, boom operations, and berry separation. The industry combines traditional practices with modern technology and attracts significant agritourism during harvest season. **Greenhouse and Nursery Operations**: Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production is Massachusetts' #1 agricultural commodity at $144-168 million annually (29% of state's agricultural value). The state maintains 10 million square feet of greenhouse space, nearly 3,000 acres of nursery production, and 1,000+ commercial operations. Massachusetts ranks #19 nationally in wholesale floriculture value and #2 in New England. Products include potted plants, perennials, bedding plants, cut flowers, and ornamental horticulture. Employment is year-round in climate-controlled greenhouses, requiring skills in plant propagation, pest management, irrigation systems, climate control, and customer service for retail operations. Positions include growers, greenhouse managers, propagation specialists, and sales staff. **Dairy Farms**: Massachusetts maintains 134 dairy farms producing 200 million pounds of milk annually (approximately 24.5 million gallons), valued at $45 million to local economies. Dairy farms steward 50,000-113,600 acres (sources vary) and generate $26,600 per cow in economic activity. Concentrated in Western Massachusetts (Berkshires) and Central Massachusetts, dairy operations offer year-round employment including milkers, herdsmen, calf care specialists, equipment operators, and feed managers. Massachusetts is more food-sufficient for dairy than any other agricultural product. Positions require knowledge of cow health, nutrition, milking systems, manure management, and sustainable grazing practices. **Vegetable Farms**: Massachusetts vegetable production spans 19,014 acres with market value growing from 16% to nearly 24% of state agriculture (2012-2017). The Connecticut River Valley (Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden counties—28% of all MA farms) features some of the nation's most fertile soil. Notable operations include SWAZ Potato Farms (3,000 acres, one of New England's largest). Crops include sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, specialty vegetables for farmers markets and restaurants. Employment is seasonal during spring planting (April-June) and summer/fall harvest (June-October) for field workers, equipment operators, harvest crews, packers, and farmers market staff. Many farms focus on organic production and direct-to-consumer sales. **Fruit Orchards**: Massachusetts maintains 80+ commercial apple farms plus diverse berry, peach, and stone fruit operations. Notable orchards include Carlson Orchards (100 acres, 30,000+ bushels annually), Bartlett's (24 acres, 11,000 bushels), and Honey Pot Hill (186 acres of apples, peaches, blueberries). Employment includes spring orchard maintenance (pruning, thinning), summer pest management, and fall harvest (August-October). Many orchards offer pick-your-own operations and farm stands, creating customer service positions. Work involves ladder climbing, fruit handling, cider pressing, and retail sales. Agritourism has grown 127% (2007-2017) with orchards offering hayrides, corn mazes, and farm events. **Maple Syrup Operations**: Massachusetts ranks #9 nationally in maple syrup production with 300+ producers tapping 230,000+ trees to produce 50,000-70,000 gallons annually. The industry generates $5-15 million for farmers, employs 1,000+ people, and preserves 15,000+ acres of open space. Concentrated in Western Massachusetts (Berkshires, Franklin County), maple season traditionally ran March but now extends January-May due to climate change. Employment includes tapping trees, maintaining tubing systems, collecting sap, operating evaporators, bottling, and retail sales. Many operations offer sugarhouse tours and tastings during season. **Aquaculture Operations**: Massachusetts farmed oysters rank as the state's 3rd-highest value seafood product at $29 million (ex-vessel value), behind only sea scallops and lobsters. The state licenses 395 private aquaculture growers across 30 coastal municipalities, with Barnstable County (Cape Cod) hosting 265 growers on 717.1 acres (53% of state's shellfish aquaculture). Species include American oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and quahogs/hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria). Employment includes seed propagation, oyster cultivation in bags/cages, harvest, processing, and direct sales to restaurants and markets. Work is physically demanding, involves water-based operations, and offers connection to coastal ecosystems. **Organic and CSA Farms**: Massachusetts is the birthplace of America's CSA movement (Robyn Van En, South Egremont, 1985) and now ranks #6 nationally in CSA farms with 95% growth since 2007. The state maintains 198 certified organic farms generating $26+ million in sales, with 60%+ of farms using regenerative practices (cover cropping, reduced tillage, precision irrigation). CSA and organic operations offer diverse employment including vegetable production, livestock care, harvest, packing CSA shares, farmers market sales, and community engagement. These farms prioritize sustainable practices, soil health, and direct relationships with consumers. Employment often includes educational components and opportunities to learn cutting-edge sustainable techniques. **Specialty and Value-Added Operations**: Massachusetts excels in specialty agriculture including 250+ Christmas tree farms (10-150 acres each growing Balsam, Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine), herbal farms, specialty cut flowers, agritourism operations (400+ farms open to public), and value-added processing (cider, jams, baked goods, prepared foods). The state's farm-to-table restaurant scene creates markets for micro-greens, specialty vegetables, heritage breeds, and artisan products. These operations offer creative employment combining production with marketing, customer education, and entrepreneurship.