Agriculture census shows steep drop in family farms statewide

N.Y. Farm Bureau reacts              

ALBANY — The USDA’s 2022 Agriculture Census report indicated about a 9 percent drop in family farms in New York state to 30,650 farms from 33,438 farms in the 2017 census, representing “the steepest decline in the past three decades.” That’s according to the New York Farm Bureau, which said the figure represents a “cause of concern for New York agriculture,” per its Feb. 14 statement. The Farm Bureau said 98 percent of farms in the Empire State remain family-owned, but the overall number of farms declined by nearly 2,800. The state also lost 364,000 acres of farmland over the past five years, the Bureau noted. A “significant” portion of the decline is in dairy farming, the largest commodity value in New York state. New York had a decrease of nearly 1,900 dairy farms, though the total number of dairy cows “slightly increased.” This reflects the market consolidation that has been happening in the industry. Other farms showing losses include vegetable, berry, and organic farms, the bureau said. The census did reveal some “bright spots,” including an increase in the number of orchards, as well as oyster producers. Market value also rose significantly, topping $8 billion. This largely resulted from temporary increases in major commodity prices during the pandemic, which have since fallen in the past year. The USDA predicts farm income to fall another 25 percent in 2024. The department also noted a “significant climb” in farms using conservation practices like no-till and cover crops with an increase of about 200,000 acres statewide. Farm costs also represent another significant increase. Every production expense had a rise — from fertilizer and fuel to seed and lease prices. The biggest increase in production expenses is labor, which had an “astounding” 41 percent jump in five years, the Farm Bureau said. It’s “not surprising” with the surge in wage rates and overtime expenses on farms in the Empire State. Employment increased slightly with about 1,000 new farmworkers in the state, bringing the total to 56,678 employees.

“The numbers do not come as a surprise but should be a renewed wakeup call for the state. As we continue to see the decline in the number of farm families, we must do all that we can to reduce regulatory costs and expand market opportunities,” David Fisher, president of the New York Farm Bureau, said in the statement. “New York Farm Bureau has stressed that the costlier it is to do business in this state, the harder it is for farms to stay in business. The loss of farmland and food production has major impacts on the economy and quality of life for all New Yorkers. We must work together to reverse this trend, include passing a strong Farm Bill that supports New York’s diverse agriculture.”

Additional N.Y. figures

The Agriculture Census figures also showed 6,502,286 acres in production in New York, down from 6,866,171 in 2017; average farm size is 212 acres, up from 205 acres in 2017; and the average net farm income of $76,281 per farm is slightly below the national average. The data for New York also indicate 21,894 female producers and 35,664 male producers; the average producer age is 56.7 years old, up from 55.8; and 6,335 farmers are under the age of 35, a drop from 6,718 producers in 2017.