Farm Jobs in New York
Explore agricultural careers in New York, one of America's most diverse agricultural states ranking in the top 10 nationally for 30 different commodities. With #2 national rankings in apples (56,086 acres), grapes and wine (400+ wineries generating $6.65 billion economic impact), and maple syrup (846,000 gallons), plus #3 in dairy (16.1 billion pounds of milk from 630,000 cows), New York's $8.5 billion agriculture industry offers year-round opportunities across 30,650 farms employing 163,148 workers.
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Farm Jobs in New York
New York agriculture generates $8.5 billion in gross farm income (2022) with a $2.7 billion contribution to state GDP, operating 30,650 farms across 6.5 million acres and employing 163,148 workers in agriculture and supporting industries. The state ranks in the top 10 nationally for 30 different commodities, demonstrating exceptional agricultural diversity. New York holds #2 national rankings for apples (56,086 acres harvested, 1,420 farms, second only to Washington), grapes and wine production (27.9 million gallons wine, 35,000 vineyard acres, 400+ wineries supporting 25,000 jobs), maple syrup (846,000 gallons, $30 million industry), cabbage, and yogurt. The state ranks #3 nationally for cow milk sales (16.1 billion pounds annually from 630,000 cows on 2,880 dairy farms), while leading the nation as #1 for cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream production. Dairy dominates New York agriculture, comprising 48.2% of all state agricultural sales with an average herd size of 219 cows per farm. The wine industry alone generates $6.65 billion in annual economic impact across three distinct regions: Finger Lakes (131 wineries, known for Riesling and cool-climate whites), Long Island (60+ wineries, Bordeaux-style blends), and Hudson Valley (40+ wineries, 225,000 acres of potential vineyard land). Additional top commodities include onions (#6 nationally, $52 million on 12,000 acres, 97% of Northeast production), greenhouse and nursery products (top 5 nationally), sweet corn (top 10), and potatoes (leading producer, especially Long Island). The Finger Lakes region leads the state with $2.34 billion in agricultural sales across 5,578 farms and 1.36 million acres, followed by North Country ($1.2 billion), and Long Islandâthe only region experiencing farm growth (+3% farms, +11% farmland from 2017-2022).
Why Work on New York Farms?
Working on New York farms offers competitive wages with H-2A workers earning $17.80/hour (2024 rate), significantly above the national farm worker average, with hired agricultural managers commanding $30.70/hour and equipment operators $19.07/hour. The state's agricultural sector provides year-round employment stability through dairy operations (2,880 farms requiring daily milking of 630,000 cows) alongside diverse seasonal opportunities: apple harvest (late summer through fall on 1,420 farms), wine grape harvest (September-October across 400+ wineries), maple syrup production (February-April, 846,000 gallons), and vegetable harvesting throughout growing season. New York agriculture has experienced dramatic wage growth with hired labor expenditures increasing 68% from 2012 to 2022, far surpassing other expense categories, demonstrating the industry's commitment to competitive compensation. The state's 163,148 agricultural jobs span dairy production (nearly 20,000 hired dairy workers alone), wine industry (25,000 full-time equivalent positions), greenhouse and nursery operations, vegetable farms (cabbage, onions, sweet corn), and value-added processing (cream cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese facilities). Workers benefit from New York's agricultural diversityâthe ability to work year-round dairy operations in Finger Lakes or North Country, transition to seasonal wine grape harvest in three distinct regions, participate in maple syrup production during late winter/early spring, or join apple harvest operations across Champlain Valley, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Niagara Frontier. The state provides substantial support through farmworker housing programs ($200,000 no-interest loans through Farm Credit East), federal DOL grants ($6.5 million available for safe housing), and Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development compliance guidance. Agritourism income jumped 78% from 2012 to 2022âthe largest increase of any farm-related income categoryâcreating extended employment opportunities beyond traditional harvest seasons. New York's proximity to massive urban markets (NYC metro area) enables robust direct-to-consumer sales (Suffolk County leads state with $268+ million), farm stands, farmers markets, and U-pick operations that provide supplemental income and year-round employment.
Types of Farms in New York
New York agriculture offers exceptional diversity across distinct geographic regions and commodity sectors. **Dairy farms** dominate as the largest sector (48.2% of state ag sales) with 2,880 operations milking 630,000 cows producing 16.1 billion pounds annually, concentrated in Cayuga County ($320.8 million milk sales, #1 in state), Wyoming County (#2 for dairy, #29 highest milk-producing county in U.S.), Wayne County, and throughout Finger Lakes and North Country regions, with New York ranking #1 nationally for cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream production. **Apple orchards** span 56,086 harvested acres across 1,420 farms (#2 nationally after Washington) concentrated in Champlain Valley, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Niagara Frontier with approximately 694 commercial growers producing diverse varieties for fresh market and processing. **Wine grape vineyards and wineries** operate across three premier regions: Finger Lakes (131 wineries, largest concentration, known for Riesling), Long Island (60+ wineries producing Bordeaux-style blends, Merlot, Cabernet Franc), and Hudson Valley (40+ wineries with 225,000 acres potential expansion), collectively managing 35,000 vineyard acres producing 27.9 million gallons wine and generating $6.65 billion economic impact with 25,000 jobs. **Vegetable farms** lead nationally in cabbage (#2), onions (#6, 12,000 acres on rich muck soils, $52 million, 97% of Northeast production), sweet corn (top 10), snap beans (#2 historically), potatoes (especially Long Island), and beets (top 3-5), with Suffolk County leading state production. **Maple syrup operations** rank #2 nationally producing 846,000 gallons ($30 million industry) during late winter/early spring when freeze-thaw cycles enable sap collection. **Greenhouse and nursery operations** rank top 5 nationally with Suffolk County #1 in state and Erie County #3, providing year-round climate-controlled employment growing potted plants, nursery stock, bedding plants, and floriculture. **Poultry and egg operations** concentrate in Clinton County (North Country) leading state production. **Vegetable and specialty farms** on Long Island represent 29.5% of all farms in the region, growing potatoes, vegetables, and specialty crops for NYC metro market. The Long Island region uniquely experienced growth (+18 farms in Suffolk County, +3% total farms, +11% farmland 2017-2022) bucking statewide farm loss trends.
Getting Started with Farm Work in New York
Entry-level farm positions in New York offer diverse year-round and seasonal opportunities across the state's varied agricultural sectors. Year-round employment exists on dairy farms (2,880 operations requiring daily milking of 630,000 cows, concentrated in Cayuga, Wyoming, Wayne counties and throughout Finger Lakes/North Country regions), greenhouse and nursery facilities (top 5 nationally, Suffolk and Erie counties lead), poultry operations (Clinton County), and value-added processing facilities (cream cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese production). Seasonal hiring peaks during apple harvest (late summer through fall on 1,420 farms across Champlain Valley, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Niagara Frontier), wine grape harvest (September-October at 400+ wineries in three regions), maple syrup production (February-April, 846,000 gallon industry), vegetable harvesting (cabbage, onions, sweet corn, potatoes, especially Long Island and muck soil regions), and agritourism operations (78% income increase 2012-2022). No previous farm experience is required for many entry-level positionsâemployers provide on-the-job training particularly for dairy milking operations, apple picking and sorting, wine grape harvesting, maple syrup collection, and vegetable field work. H-2A positions guarantee $17.80/hour (2024) with employer-provided housing required (no-interest farmworker housing loans up to $200,000 available through Farm Credit East, federal DOL grants of $6.5 million for safe housing). Prime agricultural employment regions include Finger Lakes (5,578 farms, $2.34 billion sales, largest in stateâincludes top counties Cayuga $461.9M, Wyoming $421M+, Wayne), North Country (3,612 farms, $1.2 billion salesâincludes Jefferson County experiencing "dairy boom"), Long Island (607 farms, $373 million sales, only region with farm growth, Suffolk County leads with $268M+ direct sales), Hudson Valley (2,280 farms, $301 million, rare 2% farm increase), and Western New York (Genesee County for dairy/grain). Job seekers should target major agricultural hubs: Rochester area (Finger Lakes gateway), Syracuse area (Central New York dairy), Watertown area (North Country dairy boom), Riverhead/Southampton (Long Island vegetables/wine), Albany area (Hudson Valley), and Buffalo area (Western NY). Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York Department of Agriculture & Markets, and farmworker advocacy organizations provide resources and job connections. Workers interested in specialty sectors can target the rapidly growing wine industry (400+ wineries, $6.65B impact), expanding organic sector, agritourism operations, or direct-market farms leveraging NYC proximity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm worker wages in New York?
New York farm workers earn competitive wages with H-2A agricultural workers receiving $17.80/hour as of 2024, significantly above national averages. Hired agricultural managers earn $30.70/hour (up 6.6% from 2023), equipment operators average $19.07/hour, and nonsupervisory farm/ranch workers earn $17.23/hour nationally. New York agriculture demonstrates strong wage growth with hired labor expenditures increasing 68% from 2012 to 2022âfar surpassing other expense categories. The state employs 163,148 workers across agriculture and supporting industries, with nearly 20,000 hired workers in the dairy sector alone (2015 data) and 25,000 full-time equivalent positions in the wine industry. H-2A positions include employer-provided housing (free of charge), transportation to/from home country, and must meet New York Department of Health regulations. Farmworker housing support includes no-interest loans up to $200,000 through Farm Credit East and federal DOL grants totaling $6.5 million for safe, sanitary housing. Workers also benefit from New York's farm worker overtime threshold declining from 60 hours (2020) to 56 hours (2024), continuing to decrease by 4 hours every 2 years through 2032, increasing overtime pay opportunities.
Why is New York ranked #2 for apples?
New York ranks #2 nationally in apple production (after Washington state) with 56,086 acres harvested across 1,420 apple farms and approximately 694 commercial growers managing over 50,000 acres of orchards statewide. The state's diverse climate zonesâranging from USDA Hardiness Zones 3b in the Adirondacks to 7b in southern areasâenable cultivation of numerous apple varieties suited to different microclimates and market demands. New York's premier apple-growing regions include Champlain Valley, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Niagara Frontier, where lake effect from the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes moderates temperatures, extends the growing season, and provides ideal conditions for high-quality fruit production. The state's proximity to massive urban markets (NYC metro area and Northeast corridor) enables fresh-market apple sales, farm stands, U-pick operations, and direct-to-consumer channels that command premium prices. New York apples benefit from cold winter temperatures that fulfill chilling requirements essential for proper fruit development, while the 11.5-day growing season extension since 1895 (due to climate change) has improved production conditions. The state's apple industry supports employment from late summer through fall harvest, apple processing facilities (cider, juice, sauce), cold storage operations, and year-round orchard maintenance, contributing significantly to the state's agricultural diversity and ranking in the top 10 nationally for 30 different commodities.
What makes New York dairy farming unique?
New York dairy farming comprises 48.2% of all state agricultural sales, making it the dominant agricultural sector, with the state ranking #3 nationally for cow milk sales and #5 for total milk production. New York operates 2,880 dairy farms milking 630,000 cows producing 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, with impressive herd sizes averaging 219 cows per farm. The state experienced a +17.3% increase in dairy production from 2014 to 2024âthe 3rd largest increase among the top 5 dairy statesâdemonstrating sector vitality. New York's dairy distinction extends beyond fluid milk to value-added products where the state leads nationally: #1 for cottage cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream production, #2 for yogurt manufacturing. This value-added focus creates diverse employment in processing facilities, quality control, packaging, and distribution beyond traditional farm milking operations. Top dairy counties include Cayuga County ($320.8 million milk sales, #1 in state), Wyoming County (#2 for dairy, ranking #29 nationally among all U.S. counties), and Wayne County, concentrated in the Finger Lakes region ($2.34 billion total ag sales) and North Country ($1.2 billion, with Jefferson County anticipating needing 7 billion more pounds of milk due to "dairy boom"). The state supports dairy farmers through programs like the $21.6 million Dairy Modernization Grant Program (2024) for facility upgrades and expansion. Year-round dairy employment provides stable jobs requiring daily milking operations, with nearly 20,000 hired dairy workers statewide (2015), offering consistent wages amid New York's seasonal agricultural cycles.
Where are the main farming regions in New York?
New York agriculture centers in five distinct regions each with unique specializations. The **Finger Lakes region** leads the state with $2.34 billion in agricultural sales (highest in NY) across 5,578 farms (most in state) on 1.36 million acres (46% of regional land), concentrating dairy production with top counties Cayuga ($461.9 million, #1 statewide), Wyoming ($421+ million, #2 for dairy), and Wayne (#3 in state), plus 131 wineries (most of any region) known for Riesling and cool-climate whites. **North Country** ranks second with $1.2 billion in sales across 3,612 farms, including St. Lawrence, Jefferson (experiencing "dairy boom"), Clinton (leads state in poultry/eggs), Essex, Franklin, and Lewis counties, dominated by dairy operations requiring year-round workers. **Long Island** is the only region with farm growth (+3% farms to 607 total, +11% farmland to 34,468 acres, 2017-2022), generating nearly $373 million (64% increase from 2017) led by Suffolk County ($364.2 million, #4 in state, #1 for nursery/greenhouse/floriculture and direct sales at $268+ million) producing vegetables, potatoes, wine grapes (60+ wineries), and specialty crops for NYC metro market. **Hudson Valley** produces nearly $301 million across 2,280 farms (rare 2% farm increase) with 40+ wineries, apple orchards, and diverse agriculture, featuring 225,000 acres of potential vineyard expansion (only 500 currently planted). **Western New York** (including Genesee County) focuses on dairy and grain production near Buffalo. This regional diversity creates year-round employment opportunities: Finger Lakes/North Country dairy (daily milking), Long Island vegetables/nursery (proximity to NYC markets), three-region wine production (400+ wineries statewide), and distributed apple orchards (56,086 acres across Champlain Valley, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, Niagara Frontier).
Is housing provided on New York farms?
Many New York farms provide housing for seasonal and year-round workers, particularly for H-2A positions where employer-provided housing is federally required at no cost to workers. New York offers substantial farmworker housing support through the Farmworker Housing Program (since 1995) providing no-interest loans up to $200,000 per year with 10-year maximum terms administered by Farm Credit East, ACA, enabling farms to build or improve worker accommodations. Additionally, $6.5 million in federal Department of Labor grants are available (2024) specifically for constructing safe, sanitary housing for migrant and seasonal agricultural workers. Housing must meet New York Department of Health regulations (Part 15 of health code) governing migrant and seasonal farmworker accommodations, with Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development providing compliance guides to employers. Housing availability is common on dairy farms (2,880 operations requiring year-round workers for daily milking of 630,000 cows), larger apple orchards during harvest season (1,420 farms, 56,086 acres), wine grape operations during September-October harvest (400+ wineries), vegetable farms on Long Island and muck soil regions, and maple syrup operations during February-April season. H-2A employers must provide free housing meeting federal standards plus transportation to/from workers' home countries. Housing quality varies by farm size and operation type, with larger commercial dairy operations and established wineries typically offering more structured accommodations. The state's comprehensive housing programs, regulatory oversight, and substantial financial support demonstrate commitment to farmworker living conditions, though housing remains a critical need requiring continued investment as the industry employs 163,148 workers across agriculture and supporting sectors.
What is the agricultural season in New York?
New York's agricultural seasons create year-round employment opportunities with distinct seasonal peaks across diverse commodities. **Year-round operations** include dairy farms (2,880 operations milking 630,000 cows daily, 48.2% of state ag sales), greenhouse and nursery production (top 5 nationally, climate-controlled facilities in Suffolk and Erie counties), poultry operations (Clinton County leads state), and value-added processing (cream cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese facilities). **Late winter/early spring** (February-April): maple syrup production season requiring freeze-thaw temperature cycles, producing 846,000 gallons (#2 nationally, $30 million industry). **Spring** (April-May): planting season for vegetables, vineyard maintenance, orchard care; growing season averages 120-160 frost-free days (last frost mid-April to mid-May). **Summer** (June-August): early apple harvest begins, vineyard canopy management, vegetable harvesting (cabbage, onions, sweet corn on 12,000+ acres), agritourism peaks. **Fall** (September-October): wine grape harvest across 400+ wineries in three regions (27.9 million gallons production), peak apple harvest on 1,420 farms (56,086 acres, #2 nationally), late vegetable harvesting, cranberry operations. **Fall/Winter** (October-November): apple harvest completion, wine processing, equipment maintenance. The state's growing season has increased 11.5 days from 1895 to 2020, extending production windows. Workers can establish year-round employment by combining seasonal operations: maple syrup tapping (February-April) â vegetable planting/early harvest (May-July) â apple/grape harvest (August-October) â winter dairy/greenhouse work, or maintain consistent employment on year-round dairy operations (nearly 20,000 hired dairy workers) that provide stable wages regardless of season. Agritourism income (78% increase 2012-2022) extends employment beyond traditional harvest through farm markets, U-pick operations, wine tasting rooms, and direct sales leveraging proximity to NYC metro area.
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