Pricing varies depending on the specific locality in which you operate and therefore the ways to assess and set prices will vary. Here you can find some resources for determining wholesale and local market specifications that can be referenced when determining pricing in your area.
Wholesale Price Information
The resources below are provided for reference. However, keep in mind that market conditions are different across NY. Prices for produce in Eastern NY are usually much higher than the North Country and far Western NY. The NYS terminal market prices are often higher than what buyers or distributors (like supermarkets or repackers) pay growers further away from NYC. Ultimately, each farmer and producer needs to know their cost of production. See Fact Sheet 24 – Pricing Farm Products.
Produce
- NY Terminal market listing put out by USDA AMS Monday through Friday
- Links to reports containing wholesale market price information are available through the Farmers Market Online. These reports are updated daily during the growing season.
- Additional reports covering many other aspects of agricultural pricing are available through the USDA’s market news portal for fruits and vegetables.
Organic
- Organic Produce Pricing Report from the Rodale Institute
- NOFA NY has a price index for members.
The prices are entered in by farmers for various vegetables by variety, package size, or other attribute. Fresh market and wholesale pricing. - Organic Produce Pricing Data from United States Department of Agriculture
Livestock and Field Crops
- Meat Pricing Tool, for assistance understanding how to use this tool, see Improved Meat Marketing for Small Scale and Direct Marketing Farms in the Northeast, Part III or Part IV.
- The Weekly Livestock Reporter.
- USDA AMS Livestock & Grain Market News
- Dairylea/Empire Livestock Market Auctions. Find a listing of livestock auctions in NYS here.
Local Markets
It is important to check local outlets for price information. Ask other farmers about what they charge, ask buyers in your area what they would pay, visit retail outlets and note prices, shop at farmers’ markets and see what products are selling for. You can find lists of farmers markets around the state through:
Farmers Market Federation of New York
Your pricing should be based on your costs, being competitive, and on what the particular market area customer will pay for high quality local products. Offer high quality and differentiate your products to capture a higher price.
