According to the New York State Farm Bureau, agriculture is the state's largest industry with an annual farm value of products over $3 billion.
The state's diverse farm industry includes fruit, vegetables and livestock. Dairy farming accounts for 60 percent of the state's farm receipts. New York farms employ more than 113,000 individuals.
While some are concerned about the conditions farmworkers live and work in, Hoacre Farms tries to be a fair employer. In addition to family members, the farm employs two other people. While family members put in 10- to 12-hour days, the outside employees work eight-hour days.
"Our policy is they don't do anything we wouldn't do," said Judy Hoag, "and they don't work as many hours."
It's common, son Mike said, for the hired hands to spend the winter months working in the warmth of the barn while family members take on the more uncomfortable tasks outside.
"I think there are other industries where people treat people poorly," Mike said. "There's not enough time in the day to do that here." (MM)