Agribusiness Success: Fueling Growth in Dairy, Food Processing & Agriculture

Agriculture drives the economy of Drum Country, NY. Across the region, farms and food producers grow, process, and ship products that serve markets throughout New York and the Northeast. These businesses combine long-standing tradition with new opportunity, proving that rural economies can evolve steadily when land, workforce, and infrastructure align.

We have the landscape, labor, and logistics to make agribusiness thrive. Our open land, skilled people, and reliable transportation network make this region a practical choice for farming investment and food processing. Across northern New York, agribusiness continues to take root and grow strong.

Land Availability, Logistics, and Regional Advantage

Country’s greatest strengths is available land and strong logistics. Large tracts of open and affordable farmland with rich soils mean new and growing operations have room to expand. 

At the same time, the region connects to major markets and for agribusiness, this dual advantage of room to grow plus access to key markets is fundamental.

Shipping Routes and Market Access

Drum Country sits within a day’s drive of major urban markets, New York City, Boston, Toronto, and Montreal. This proximity, combined with I-81, U.S. 11, CSX rail service, and the Port of Ogdensburg, gives the region a strong logistical reach. The result is efficient transportation that keeps costs low and supply chains dependable, a key ingredient in ongoing agribusiness success.

Dairy Industry Strength

The foundation of agribusiness success in Drum Country is its dairy industry. Our three-county area produces nearly 182 million pounds of milk annually, supported by roughly 90,000 dairy cows. This steady supply attracts processors who need consistent, high-quality milk for cheese, yogurt, and powder production.

One of the most recognizable names in the region is Kraft Heinz, which produces Philadelphia Cream Cheese at its facility in Lowville. The plant’s long-standing presence underscores how dairy processing supports both jobs and local identity. Each year, the community celebrates that connection through the Cream Cheese Festival, an event that brings residents and visitors together to honor the region’s dairy heritage.

With abundant milk and proximity to key markets, the region is attracting large-scale processing investments. New York ranks among the top three states nationally for dairy processing growth, with over $3 billion in new investments since 2020.

Dairy Diversification and Expansion

At HP Hood’s plant in LaFargeville, the business of cottage cheese and dairy-based products is booming. Recent reporting noted the plant’s production “skyrocketed” thanks to increased demand.

This speaks to how Drum Country’s infrastructure, power, water, and transit access is aligned with modern food processing. For agribusiness success, having a regional presence like HP Hood means local farms have nearby markets for their milk, and the processing becomes a driver for other business growth.

A Community and Workforce Committed to Agriculture

Here, agriculture is more than a business…it’s a part of our regional identity. Local colleges, training programs, and economic development agencies support agribusiness through workforce training, technical assistance, and funding. Drum Country also offers business-assistance programs, loans and grants for agribusiness. Among them: the Community Development Loan Fund for agribusiness projects, and value-added agriculture programs for Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Agribusiness in Drum Country

As consumer preferences continue to favor local, sustainable, and traceable food, Drum Country is well-positioned to lead. The region’s strong dairy base, expanding processing footprint, and growing value-added agriculture form a solid foundation for long-term agribusiness success.

That foundation is strengthened by Drum Country’s growing renewable energy sector, which includes hydropower, solar, and wind farms across the three counties. Access to clean, reliable energy not only supports agricultural production and processing but also aligns with the sustainability standards that today’s consumers and businesses expect.

For businesses or investors interested in agriculture, the message is straightforward: Drum Country has the land, infrastructure, renewable energy, workforce, and proven success stories to make agribusiness work for the long term.

Want to learn more about running an agribusiness in Drum Country? Watch our video featuring Black River Valley Natural, HP Hood and Twin Mill Farms.