Guide to Farming in NY

This Guide is updated periodically to provide answers to questions about taxes, business planning, labor law, zoning, regulations, marketing and many other topics that farmers need to know.

You can view the Guide 2 different ways:

  1. Download the entire 2021 Guide to Farming (PDF), or
  2. Click on individual fact sheets below.

You can also view information on How to Use this Guide (PDF) here.

Getting Started

#1 Finding a Farm to Buy or Lease
#2 Climate & Soil Considerations
#3 Infrastructure Considerations
#4 Financing a Farm Operation
#5 Farm Risk Management
#6 Farm Insurance
#7 Farm Vehicles
#8 Zoning Regulations & Farming
#9 Legal Aspects of Rural Living
#10 Environmental Regulations
#11 Forest Land Resources

 

Business Considerations

#12 Business Plans
#13 Business Structures
#14 Making Money
#15 Record Keeping
#16 Income Taxes
#17 Sales Tax Exemptions/Refunds
#18 Labor Laws
#19 Payroll and Worker Documentation
#20 Agricultural District Law Provisions
#21 Ag Value Assessment for Farmland
#22 Property Tax Exclusions for Buildings

 

Marketing Considerations

#23 Assessing Your Market Potential
#24 Pricing Farm Products
#25 Finding Price Information
#26 Direct Marketing Options
#27 Marketing Regulations
#28 Becoming a Small Scale Food Processor
#29 Collecting Sales Tax on Farm Product Sales
#30 Organic Certification

 

Resources

#31 Grant Opportunities for Farmers
#32 Opportunities for Veterans in Farming
#33 Agricultural Agencies and Organizations
#34 Information Sources for Getting Started
#35 When Am I a Farm?

Not Farming in NY?

Much of the information in the Guide to Farming in NY is applicable no matter where you live. But if you are seeking specific tax, legal, and regulatory information and you live outside of NY, check with your state Department of Agriculture, or download the following publications to find information for these states: