Saratoga County Farm Facts

According to the New York Agricultural Statistics, in 2004 there were 574 farms in the county averaging 130 acres per farm.  These farms produce an annual sales volume of $38.9 million in agricultural products.  Around 60% of  Saratoga county's gross agricultural sales come from the sale of milk.  There are 48 dairy farms in Saratoga County.  In 2004, Saratoga County farms had 7,000 milk cows producing 135 million pounds of milk, which equals approximately 15,697,675 gallons.

Most farms in the county are family owned and operated.  The average farm size is 13 acres compared to a statewide average of 205.  The average age of the operator is 54.4 years, and according to the Census, 50 % of farm operators report farming as their principal occupation.

There are approximately 74,400 acres of farmland in Saratoga County, which is roughly 15% of the total land base.  Of the 74,400 acres, roughly 25,000+ acres are devoted to cropland, 15,000+  are woodland, and the rest is pastured cropland, permanent pasture, and exercise land.  In 1950, there were 200,349 acres of farmland making up 38.6% of the total land base in the county.

Total farm production expenses were $25.5 million in 1997, compared to $20.1 million in 1992.

Farms in Saratoga County provide a livelihood for approximately 567 employees, 235 full-time operators, and 237 part-time operators.  Most of the increases in farm numbers and employment is in the small farm category with part-time operator numbers increasing by 103 since 1992.

Farmers receive a relatively small portion of the food dollar, and U.S. consumers spend less than 11% of their income on food compared to over 20% in many other countries. (Source USDA)