Now that the clocks have moved ahead across New York State, signs of spring are finally starting to appear. The sunsets are getting later, temperatures are beginning to climb, and across rural parts of the state the farming community is starting to come alive again.

If you live in a rural community that is considered a Right to Farm community, New York State officials want to remind you that certain farming activities are protected by law.

While spring may officially arrive on March 20, longtime New Yorkers know winter doesn’t always let go that easily. Cold temperatures can linger well into April, and there have even been years when snow has fallen in May.

But for farmers across the state, the growing season is already beginning behind the scenes.

Farming Is A Year-Round Job In New York State

Even if you haven’t seen tractors in the fields yet, farms never really shut down. Farming is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week operation throughout the entire year.

Related: Best Places to Buy Local Beef in Western New York State

During the late winter and early spring months, farmers are busy preparing equipment, repairing machinery, planning crops, and mapping out their fields for the upcoming growing season. Every decision made now can impact the harvest months down the road.

For many farms, this preparation work is just as important as the planting and harvesting seasons.

What “Right To Farm” Means For Rural Communities

If you live in a Right to Farm community, there are certain sights, sounds, and smells that come with living near agriculture.

“A Right to Farm (RTF) law sets forth a process to mediate complaints by non-farm neighbors about farming operations and practices”.

That can include things like farm equipment traveling on local roads, dusty conditions during planting or harvest, and even the smell of manure spreading in nearby fields.

These activities may seem unusual to people who are new to rural communities, but they are considered normal farming practices. New York State has laws designed to protect farmers who are operating responsibly and following proper agricultural practices.

These protections are part of the state’s agricultural district program overseen by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Farmers in New York State are preparing fields for the spring planting season (Unsplash)

Farmers in New York State are preparing fields for the spring planting season (Unsplash)Why Supporting Local Farms Matters

Family farms remain a vital part of New York State’s economy and rural communities. They also play a major role in providing food not only for the state but for the entire country.

Related: Massive Barn Fire Levels WNY Farm

As global supply chains continue to face challenges, the importance of strong local agriculture becomes even more clear. Supporting local farms, farm markets, and agricultural businesses helps ensure that these operations can continue for future generations.

For residents living in rural communities, understanding the role of agriculture, and the protections that exist for farmers, is an important part of being a good neighbor.

As spring continues to arrive across New York State, farms will soon become even busier. Fields will begin to fill with equipment, crops will start going into the ground, and another growing season will officially be underway.

For many rural communities, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year.

Popular Farmer’s Markets In Western New York

Gallery Credit: Brett Alan