I have always fought for the identification of our region as the Southern Tier of New York, not Upstate New York. Upstate encompasses everything above New York City. The Southern Tier includes Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Delaware, Steuben, and Tioga Counties.

We are proud of the Southern Tier of New York. It is our home, and we are known for many great things including agriculture. New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli recently released a profile of Agriculture in New York State.

It contains many great accomplishments and more specifically mentions the Southern Tier of New York as having the 2nd largest number of farms, 3rd largest in farmland in the state, and 3rd for the most wineries. Our slice of New York is also one of the top maple syrup producers.

Steuben County is the top producer of hay in New York State and Tioga County is tops for sales of goats and sheep. Chenango County comes in second in New York State for sales of pigs and hogs according to the State Comptroller's report.

Now, comparing New York State with the rest of the country, we rank first in the production of cottage cheese, sour cream, and yogurt. New York State ranks 2nd in the United States for apples, cabbage, maple syrup, and snap beans.

The report shows New York State as producing almost 27 percent of cottage cheese in the country, and we are the 3rd highest producer of milk, Italian cheese, and grapes.

So, as far as agriculture is concerned, New York State is great, and that is in large part to the Southern Tier. Our region and the rest of New York have a lot to be proud of.

via New York State Comptroller's Office

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Gallery Credit: Olivia Sturgell

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