AGRIBUSINESS IN DRUM COUNTRY
New York is a business-friendly state, and that includes agribusiness! Growing incredible produce, creating the best dairy products, and shipping those agricultural goods across the country and into Canada is easy to do in Drum Country.
Agribusiness as an industry involves everything from production to processing and distribution, and like any industry, success comes from remaining competitive. Drum Country’s member organizations work hard to support new and existing companies in the agribusiness industry through:
- Grants for investment in new technology
- Continuing education in farming practices and related topics
- Site tours and scouting assistance
- And more
ROOM TO GROW
Drum Country NY is dairy country. According to the 2020 NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Dairy Statistics Summary, the region’s 90,000 dairy cows produced 181,796,000 pounds of milk. This makes our region a great place to locate your dairy processing facility. Our current manufacturers utilize this high quality milk to make award winning products. There is plenty of room in the current supply chain to add processing capacity and Drum Country is ready to share this with you!
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Our four-season climate with minimal extremes makes Drum Country prime for your agribusiness. The region is abundant with water sources from the Adirondacks, as well as a temperate climate. The region is not generally impacted by severe natural weather events like drought, flooding, hurricanes, or wildfires. While the region boasts moderate snowfall, the infrastructure is resilient to support minimal disruption to the supply chain. In other words, “We are Drum Country Strong!”
RENEWABLE ENERGY IS KING
In Drum Country, renewable energy sources are promoted- wind and solar projects thrive throughout the region. These projects drive New York State’s push for a clean, resilient, and affordable energy system. In addition, the region is home to the New York Power Authority’s hydro-facility generating 820,800 kilowatts of electricity. Low-cost power programs are available from the New York Power Authority, St. Lawrence County IDA, and National Grid, the regional utility.
AVAILABILITY OF SITES/LAND
Hand in hand with green energy and climate resilience, Drum Country is home to quality, low cost land. Locations with ready infrastructure are here for your business and compared to other parts of the country, are at a comparably lower cost. This is coupled too with incentive programs available through the economic development partners for tax abatement programs, and a culture that supports agriculture and agribusiness.
PROXIMITY TO MARKETS
Locate in Drum Country and you are within 6 hours of major metropolitan markets as Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, New York City, and Boston. Interstate 81, NYS Route 12, U.S. Route 11 and NYS Route 37 connect the three-county region to the rest of NYS and to the major metropolitan markets of the eastern United States. A CSX main rail line travels through the region connecting to Syracuse, NY and Canada with a smaller rail line connecting into Lewis County. Watertown International Airport and Ogdensburg International Airport provide daily flights to Philadelphia, PA.
QUALITY WORKFORCE
The workers in Drum Country have a strong work ethic. The region is home to several colleges and universities with graduates ready to meet your workforce needs. If technical training is required, the local Board of Cooperative Educational Services, community college, and trades, like the IBEW 910, will assist with programs to meet your needs. With Drum Country home to the Army installation at Fort Drum, and about 1/3 of retiring soldiers looking to remain in the region, this provides a pool for potential workers.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Generations of families have put down strong roots in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties. Others return year after year to enjoy the abundant natural beauty and create last-ing memories with their loved ones. Communities are close-knit, diverse industries flourish, and a sense of adventure and promise prevails.High-quality healthcare, exemplary public school systems, and abundant recreational activities make Drum Country an ideal location for both business and living.
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Our partners are ready to speak today about relocating your business or family to Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence Counties. Let’s meet to talk about programs and financing to make Drum Country your location for success!