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.
You can view the Guide 3 different ways:
1. Download the entire Guide to Farming in NY here (PDF)
2. Browse in an Online Reader, or
3. Click on individual fact sheets below.
Explore How to Use this Guide here (PDF)
Getting Started
#1 Finding a Farm to Buy or Lease – revised 8/5/14
#2 Climate & Soil Considerations – revised 8/5/14
#3 Infrastructure Considerations – revised 8/5/14
#4 Financing a Farm Operation – revised 4/15/13
#5 Farm Risk Management – revised 2/2/16
#6 Farm Insurance – revised 2/2/16
#7 Farm Vehicle Regulations – revised 6/8/12
#8 Zoning Regulations & Farming – revised 6/8/12
#9 Legal Aspects of Rural Living – revised 8/5/14
#10 Environmental Regulations – revised 8/5/14
#11 Forest Land Resources – revised 6/8/12
Business Considerations
#12 Business Plans – revised 8/5/14
#13 Business Structures – revised 6/15/12
#14 Making Money – revised 8/5/14
#15 Record Keeping – revised 8/5/14
#16 Income Taxes – revised 6/18/12
#17 Sales Tax Exemptions/Refunds – revised 6/18/12
#18 Labor Laws – revised 8/5/14
#19 Payroll and Worker Documentation – revised 8/5/14
#20 Agricultural District Law Provisions – revised 6/19/12
#21 Ag Value Tax Assessment for Farmland – revised 8/5/14
#22 Property Tax Exclusions for Farm Buildings – revised 6/19/12
Marketing Considerations
#23 Assessing Your Market Potential – revised 12/9/09
#24 Pricing Farm Products – revised 11/26/08
#25 Finding Price Information – revised 8/5/14
#26 Direct Marketing Options – revised 8/5/14
#27 Marketing Regulations – revised 8/5/14
#28 Becoming a Small Scale Food Processor – revised 6/25/12
#29 Collecting Sales Tax on Farm Product Sales – revised 6/25/12
#30 Organic Certification– 6/26/12
Resources
#31 Grant Opportunities for Farmers – revised 4/16/13
#32 Opportunities for Veterans in Farming – revised 4/5/16
#33 Agricultural Agencies and Organizations – revised 10/1/15
#34 Information Sources for Getting Started – revised 10/1/15
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:
- Massachusetts: MA Agricultural Resource Guide and other helpful guides available from the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project
- Connecticut: Connecticut Agricultural Business Management Guide (PDF)
- Vermont: Legal Guide to the Business of Farming in Vermont
- Pennsylvania: Guide to Farming in Pennsylvania