New York

Agriculture is important to the state of New York. About 25% of the state’s land area is used by the 36,000 farms to produce its diverse commodities.  Dairy milk is the leading agricultural product and is produced all across the state.  Until late in the 19th century, New York led the nation in the production of both grain and butter.  Today, some of the state’s major agricultural activities center on the dairy and cattle industry, apple orchards, and maple syrup production. The leading crops include hay, corn, wheat, and oats.