New York Farmers Did Well in 2013

In case you needed it, here's more proof that New York IS agriculture.

New York's farmers set record sales in 2013.

The state's farmers brought in nearly $5.7 billion in 2013, compared to $5.5 billion in 2012.

Cash receipts for crops, livestock and other raw agricultural products were up, according to numbers calculated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More than half of the receipts were for livestock, dairy and poultry items, with the rest coming from the sale of crops such as corn, fruits and vegetables.
 
The numbers don't include sales of products derived from New York agriculture, such as cheese, wine or cider.
 
Overall receipts in the U.S. were down slightly in 2013 to $401 billion from nearly $405 billion the year before.

“The newly released USDA sales numbers for 2013 are proof of the value of agriculture to New York state," said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau.

"Hard work, farmer innovation, world markets, and a commitment from New York state have boosted overall farm sales yet again. The new numbers reveal cash receipts for last year total $5.67 billion, up more than $200 million from the previous year. This is money that goes right back into the rural communities supporting local jobs," Norton said.