The history of agriculture in Sullivan County dates back to the late 1700’s. This area was settled by immigrants from England, Germany, Ireland and Scotland not long after the Revolutionary War starting small farms.
Sullivan County agriculture was well established by the Mid 1800’s and was helping feed New York City’s growing population. More and more families moved to the area from the city seeking land and a better way of life and our agriculture began to diversify. Farms were small and diverse – milking under 20 cows and raising a few chickens for meat and eggs.
After World War I, dairy and egg farms began to grow into leading agricultural entities. Also, these family farms began taking in summer boarders to start the tourism industry.
By the late 1960’s agriculture was at its prime with more than 500 farms in Sullivan County. Poultry (eggs) and Dairy were the two primary types of farming in the county.
Numbers began dwindling in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s until today when we have 2 major egg producers and 28 dairy farms left in Sullivan County. As you take a drive around the county today you will see the family dairy farms alive and still in operation. We currently have 380+ farms in Sullivan County with more vegetable and diversified livestock operations growing. The economic impact of agriculture in Sullivan County is still well above $230 million dollars annually. With this type of impact agriculture is the primary draw for many to Sullivan County.
Information courtesy of:
Dan Shockey
Agriculture & Natural Resources Team Coordinator
Cornell Cooperative Extension