Guide to Farming in NY
This Guide is updated annually to provide answers to questions about taxes, business planning, labor law, zoning, regulations, marketing and many other topics that farmers need to know.
Download the entire Guide to Farming in NY here (PDF) or explore How to Use this Guide (PDF)
Getting Started
#1 Finding a Farm to Buy or Lease – revised 1/9/11
#2 Climate & Soil Considerations – revised 1/9/11
#3 Infrastructure Considerations – revised 11/26/08
#4 Financing a Farm Operation – revised 1/9/11
#5 Farm Risk Management – revised 1/9/11
#6 Farm Insurance – revised 11/26/09
#7 Farm Vehicle Regulations – revised 1/9/11
#8 Zoning Regulations & Farming – revised 12/09/09
#9 Legal Aspects of Rural Living – revised 1/9/11
#10 Environmental Regulations – revised 1/9/11
#11 Forest Land Resources – revised 12/09/09
Business Considerations
#12 Business Plans – revised 1/9/11
#13 Business Structures – revised 12/9/09
#14 Making Money – revised 6/15/07
#15 Record Keeping – revised 1/9/11
#16 Income Taxes – revised 1/9/11
#17 Sales Tax Exemptions/Refunds – revised 1/9/11
#18 Labor Laws – revised 1/9/11
#19 Payroll and Worker Documentation – revised 12/9/09
#20 Agricultural District Law Provisions – revised 6/15/07
#21 Ag Value Tax Assessment for Farmland – revised 1/9/11
#22 Property Tax Exclusions for Farm Buildings – revised 1/9/11
Marketing Considerations
#23 Assessing Your Market Potential – revised 12/9/09
#24 Pricing Farm Products – revised 11/26/08
#25 Finding Price Information – revised 1/9/11
#26 Direct Marketing Options – revised 1/9/11
#27 Marketing Regulations – revised 1/9/11
#28 Becoming a Small Scale Food Processor – revised 1/9/11
#29 Collecting Sales Tax on Farm Product Sales – revised 1/9/11
#30 Organic Certification – 12/9/09
Resources
#31 Grant Opportunities for Farmers – revised 1/9/11
#32 Agricultural Agencies and Organizations – revised 1/9/11
#33 Information Sources for Getting Started – revised 1/9/11
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:
- Connecticut: Connecticut Agricultural Business Management Guide (PDF)
- Vermont: Legal Guide to the Business of Farming in Vermont
- Pennsylvania: Guide to Farming in Pennsylvania
