Agriculture Facts

Niagara County ranks 18th in the state for number of farms and 27th for land in agricultural production.  Niagara County has 830 farms on 139,400 acres of land.  the average size of a farm in the county in 168 acres.   The average farmer is 54 years of age.  The dairy industry accounts for 26% of all the agricultural production in the county.  Receipts from the dairy industry each year total $15 Million.  the production of fruits and berries yields $13.6 Million in sales annually.  There are 3000 equines in Niagara County.  The horse industry generates about $12.5 Million annualy to the local economy.

How does Niagara County rank with other counties in NYS for agricultural products grown?  Pears #1, Peaches #1, Plums & Prunes #1, Sweet Cherries #1, Tart Cherries #2, Apples #4, Corn & Grain #7, Grapes #8, Vegetables #9, Nursery & Greenhouse #11, Dairy #34. 

Agriculture is the nation's largest employer.  Less than 20% of the price of any product goes directly to the farmer.  80% of the cost goes toward taxes, packaging, utilities, repairs, depreciation, transportation and advertising!