Small farms across New York, whether they raise dairy, beef, pork, or produce, are dealing with some serious challenges right now. Many of these farms are run by veterans who came home and chose to keep serving by feeding their neighbors. We want to be straightforward about what our farmers are facing, and about how much your support means.
The weather has become harder to predict. Sudden thaws turn pastures to mud, cold snaps arrive without warning, and dry spells follow. Every swing makes caring for land and livestock tougher and more costly.
At the same time, small farms are caught in a market squeeze. Grocery prices keep rising, but very little of that makes it back to the farmer. Small operations are competing with much larger ones while paying more for fuel and everything else it takes to keep running.
Why buying local matters
It’s easy to think one grocery run doesn’t make a difference, but it adds up. When you buy directly from a local farm, that money stays close to home. It pays local workers, supports other nearby businesses, and keeps rural economies steady. It also helps ensure that local food, and the way of life that comes with it, will still be here for the next generation.
The simplest way to keep small farms going is to keep buying from them. A pack of ground beef or a bag of potatoes bought from a neighbor does more good than most people realize.
How you can help
Look for the farms in your area. Stop at farm stands, visit your local farmers market, and ask about buying meat, milk, or produce directly. Many farms now sell online or offer delivery, too. Every purchase helps keep the farmers who feed this state, including the veterans among them, on their land.
Thank you for standing with New York’s farmers.
