Genesee County Agriculture

Here you will find information about the number one industry in Genesee County - Agriculture. Whether you are looking for what to buy in season, careers in agriculture, events that are coming up or interested in starting your own farm operation, this is the place to be.  

USDA Census of Agriculture

"America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them"  For all information, visit https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/ 

Covered Farm Vehicle

Effective July 11, 2016 Federal regulations and New York State law are amended to change the term ”farm vehicle” to “covered farm vehicle”, to define covered farm vehicles, and to include a new “Covered Farm Vehicle designation” requirement.  Click Here to learn more.

Farm Donations to Food Pantries Credit

Beginning January 1, 2018, New York State farmers may claim a new refundable tax credit for qualified food donations made to a food pantry, food bank, or other emergency food program. The credit is equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of qualified donations, with a maximum benefit of $5,000 per year. Please refer to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website to see if you qualify for this tax benefit. https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/farm-donations-credit.htm

2017 Agriculture Enrollment

To help support our local agriculture industry and to provide producers with expert information, Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension offers its annual “Agriculture Enrollment”. Farms enrolled in 2016 will receive direct access to crop, dairy and livestock specialists backed up by Cornell researchers.

Both teams provide educational programs with classroom and hands-on training, farmer discussion groups, newsletters with timely production information, as well as farm visits and research opportunities.Cost of enrollment is $65 per team.Cornell Pest Management Guidelines are available for an additional cost. Click Here for the 2017 Ag Enrollment Form.

Microloans Available to Help Farmers Purchase Farmland and Improve Property

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. The microloan program has provided more than 16,800 low-interest loans, totaling over $373 million to producers across the country. Microloans have helped farmers and ranchers with operating costs, such as feed, fertilizer, tools, fencing, equipment, and living expenses since 2013.

Now, microloans will be available to also help with farm land and building purchases, and soil and water conservation improvements. FSA designed the expanded program to simplify the application process, expand eligibility requirements and expedite smaller real estate loans to help farmers strengthen their operations. Microloans provide up to $50,000 to qualified producers, and can be issued to the applicant directly from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).

This microloan is another resource for America's farmers and ranchers to utilize, especially as new and beginning farmers and ranchers look for the assistance they need to get started. To learn more about the FSA microloan program visit www.fsa.usda.gov/microloans, or contact your local FSA office. To find your nearest office location, please visit http://offices.usda.gov

Last updated February 12, 2018