Agriculture is alive and well in Massachusetts. Greenhouses, nurseries and cranberries dominate the state’s agricultural commodity output. Aquaculture
Aquaculture
Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants. Aquaculture involves cultivating freshwater and saltwater populations under controlled conditions, and can be contrasted with commercial fishing, …
accounts for a large part of Massachusetts agriculture, mostly from oyster and quahog
Hard clam
The hard clam, also known as a quahog (/ˈk(w)oʊhɒɡ/; or quahaug), round clam or hard-shell clam, is an edible marine bivalve mollusc that is native to the eastern shores of North America and Central America from Prince Edward Island to the Yucatán Peninsula. It is one of many unrelate…
production.
What agriculture is Massachusetts known for?
Massachusetts’ most valuable crops include greenhouse and nursery commodities, making up over one third of the state’s total agricultural production, followed by cranberries, sweet corn and apples. The most valuable livestock products of the Bay State are dairy products.
Is there agriculture in Massachusetts?
Current Statistics. Massachusetts has 7,241 farms on 491,653 acres. The agricultural industry directly provides employment to 25,920 individuals and produces an annual market value of over $475 million in agricultural goods. The average farm produces $65,624 worth of agricultural products on 68 acres.
What is the main crop in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts produces more than 25% of the cranberries grown in the nation. Other important crops are sweet corn and apples. Hay is the major field crop grown in the state.
Is Massachusetts a good place to farm?
Agriculture is alive and well in Massachusetts. More than 80 percent of the state’s 7,700 farms are family owned and operated. Greenhouses, nurseries and cranberries dominate the state’s agricultural commodity output.
How much of Massachusetts is farmland?
Fruit, tree nut and berry farms check in at number two, accounting for just over 79,697 acres of Massachusetts’ farmland, 16.2 percent of the Commonwealth’s total.
What food is Massachusetts known for?
Any trip to the Massachusetts capital should include at least one of these signature dishes.Clam chowder. You can’t visit Boston without trying New England clam chowder | © Sergii Koval / Alamy Stock Photo. … Lobster rolls. … Cannolis. … Baked beans. … Fish and chips. … Boston cream pie. … Oysters. … Fenway Frank.
What fruit does Massachusetts produce?
Some of the best fruit trees to grow in Massachusetts (Plant Hardiness Zones 5a to 7b) are:apples.pears.peaches.plums.cherries.figs.
What are natural resources in Massachusetts?
Natural Resources: Fertile Connecticut River Valley soils, most rich in peat, deposits of sand and gravel, glacial stones and boulders (granite, marble) are the most important natural resources of Massachusetts.
What are the most popular types of farming?
Conventional farming is the main farming method used during the 20th century and still dominates most farming today.
Which state is best for agriculture?
State RankingsOVERALL RANKStateOverall Score1Montana59.722Kansas58.783North Dakota57.354Texas57.3242 more rows•Oct 3, 2021
Where are the most farms in Massachusetts?
Worcester CountyWorcester County continues to lead the state in terms of farm numbers, with 1,568 farms in 2017 up nominally from 1,560 farms in 2012. Franklin County rose to second with 830 farms from 780 farms in 2012.
Which state has the best farming soil?
Iowa has some of the richest and most productive of soils in the world. Around 90 percent of its land being used for agriculture, the state ranks second in the nation for agricultural production, after California. The Tama soils of Iowa occur in 28 Iowa counties as well as in parts of other, neighboring states.
What is the MDAR number?
MDAR can also be reached at (617) 626-1700. Climatic factors that impact crop growth include minimum temperatures, frost-free dates, growing degree-days, precipitation, air flow, and wind exposure. The Massachusetts growing season is relatively short, presenting a challenge to many farmers.
What is the right to farm law in Massachusetts?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a law that protects farmers against nuisance lawsuits and protects their right to farm, provided that sound agricultural practices are followed. Many municipalities also have right-to-farm bylaws with additional provisions meant to protect farmers. Check with your town ocials to see if such a law exists in your municipality. If it does not, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) provides a model bylaw for localities to adopt. Many towns have Agricultural Commissions that can help advocate for such an ordinance and MDAR provides some guidance on establishing more of these commissions.
What is the minimum wage in Massachusetts?
The Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour, but Massachusetts Minimum Wage is $8.00/hr. However, the minimum wage for hourly work in agriculture is $1.63/hour. This does not apply to minors or family members. Agricultural workers are not covered by overtime law where employers pay time and a half wage.
What is Zone 2 in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has special regulations for areas that are important for supplying well water for drinking. These are called Zone II areas. If you are in a Zone II area, you must store your manure or fertilizer in a covered, contained storage area. Use of pesticides
What crops are covered by crop insurance in Massachusetts?
Commodity crops covered by crop insurance in Massachusetts include apples, clams, cranberries, peaches, potatoes, sweet corn, tobacco and winter squash. Unfortunately crop insurance needs to be purchased for each crop separately, which is not practical for many diversified small scale farms.
What is Farm Credit East?
Farm Credit East is aliated with FarmStart, which provides up to $50,000 in loans to young and beginning farmers. Farm Credit’s Young, Beginning, and Small Farmer Incentive program (YBS) offers discounts on services such as tax prep, interest rate assistance, and farm accounting. Call (800) 562-2235, e-mail [email protected], or check the Farm Credit East website for more details.
How much is the Massachusetts Farm Energy Discount?
Massachusetts Farm Energy Discount Program: Subject to certification by MDAR, farmers may be eligible for a ten percent discount on energy rates. Check out their website for more details or contact the oce at (617) 626-1733.
