Agribusiness

Agriculture is synonymous with Cortland County, and the sales of locally produced milk, beef, maple syrup and cash crops generate revenues of $45,000,000 per year according to most recent US Census of Agriculture data. Agricultural lands encompass an area of 321,000 acres, 30% of which is devoted to crop land, 43% to forestry. Long recognized as one of New York State's most productive agricultural areas, Cortland County's commercial farms are a source of great community pride. There are currently 478 farms in Cortland County, according to the most recent statistics from the Cornell Cooperative Extension. While farm acreage is decreasing, following national trends, the market value of agricultural products sold per farm has increased from $22,734 in 1969 to $90,386 in 1992. Due to new technology, the number of acres needed to support a head of cattle has decreased from three to two, and the concentration of dairy farming into large herd farms, combined with changing farming technology and less dependence on land for dairy farming are all changing the agricultural landscape of upstate and central New York.

Dairy farming is the major agricultural enterprise in the County, with a total of 365 farms housing over 24,000 dairy cows. Cortland County dairy farming generates revenues in excess of $38 million annually. Well known for their superior production, Cortland's dairy cattle have been sold throughout the world to farmers who place a premium on high production potential. Livestock production includes beef cattle, calves, sheep, lambs, hogs, pigs and their products. Most of the beef cattle sold in the County are dairy cows which are no longer productive. Over 17,000 cattle or calves are sold in Cortland County each year. Livestock production generates in excess of $4 million annually in the County. Livestock products including fluid milk production along with the growing of feed and raising of cattle represent 94% of the County's agricultural activity.

There are approximately 158,000 acres of commercial forest land within the County, with this land producing an estimated 15 million board feet of lumber per year at a value of $1.5 million. Firewood harvesting has grown dramatically in recent years due to the large number of homes that are heated with wood to some extent. There are also numerous greenhouse operators in the County who produce a wide variety of crops. These crops include trees, flowers, shrubs, plants and vegetable transplants, producing revenues of more than $200,000 per year.

Cortland County farmers are well known for their crop production which produce close to $1.5 million in revenues per year. Grain, hay and vegetable production are the leading sectors. There are also 40 maple syrup enterprises in the County, producing 10,000 gallons of syrup per year with a value of $157,000. While syrup is a seasonal business, it represents an excellent secondary source of income for many producers.

These sectors are supported by the County's proximity to Cornell University and its world class agricultural outreach programs. A robust agribusiness sector provides needed goods and services to Cortland County farmers who spend millions of dollars each year on farm equipment, crop supplies, feed, construction materials, veterinary services and numerous other items required for the operation of large commercial farms. For example, local farmers spend over $12 million per year to purchase feed for their livestock and poultry.