As the growing season’s longest days drift by, we can’t help but stop and think about summer agriculture. While farmers work hard all year, there’s no time like summer in Washington County to see the fruits of their labor, and no better way to see it than on a local farm tour.

A major aspect of our region’s tourism revolves around agriculture. That’s why we call it “agri-tourism,” after all! 

From farm visits to dining experiences, our county is introducing visitors to a way of life we’ve enjoyed for decades, offering a glimpse into all that goes into making the incredible food we enjoy. 

In the summer, these opportunities multiply. 

Getting the Season Started

Summer agriculture in Upstate NY ranges from berries and fruit for picking; vegetables for farmers’ markets and grocery stores; dairy products of all kinds; honey and beeswax; meat and animal products; and more!

Once the chill breaks in the spring and the animals have calved, lambed, and kidded, it’s full steam ahead to get crops in the ground and pastures ready for livestock. This is also when the Washington County Fiber Tour opens its gates each April, , with stops like South Dominion Vineyard in Cambridge showing off their flock of Romney-Dorset sheep alongside shearing demonstrations. Soon after comes the Art + Ag Tour each May, when farms across the county welcome visitors before the summer rush really begins. By the official start of summer in June, many farms in our area are already lush with growth.

Keeping Everything Growing

These months of hard work don’t stop, even when those summer veggies start to grow.

Animals and plants need protection from the summer heat and ample water for those long hot days. Plus there’s weeding, soil amending, milking, pest control, crop scouting and so much more to do — all while we work to plan for fall, overwintering, and the next summer!

Many farmers also use this “off” time to clean and inspect their equipment, ensuring each piece of machinery is ready to run come harvest time. When farm equipment does require repair, replacement, or upgrades, it’s better to know before crunch time!

And then, at long last, it’s time to harvest.

It’s easy to miss all this from the road, which is part of why farm tours exist: they’re a chance to see this hands-on work up close, whether that’s a walk through Victory View Vineyard’s vines or a wander through Gardenworks‘ pick-your-own-healthcare garden.

From Field to Farm Stand

Whether a farm is open for u-pick or collects their harvest for sale at local markets, much of the produce you enjoy from Washington County is harvested by hand. Or, in the case of some fruits like blueberries, semi-manually.

Once greens are washed, stems are bunched, pints are packed, and stems are trimmed, it’s time to head to the market! That is, unless, a farmer makes goods with their harvest.

Putting Up the Harvest

As if farmers weren’t busy already, many use this time to create finished foods, like jams and salsas, when fruits and vegetables are at peak freshness! It’s also a great time for farmers to incorporate fresh herbs and foraged goodies into their home goods, like bath and body products.

Some farmers also use this time to harvest and store animal feed for the winter months. While this involves large equipment, there’s lots of planning and short deadlines involved. Grain and hay must be dry enough for storage, leaving the final plan up to the weather’s cooperation.

While it may only take two to three months for a tomato or cucumber to go from seed to harvest, there’s much more to the summer growing season than we may think!

As summer winds down, this same work carries into fall, and it’s exactly what the County Bounty Tour puts on display each September, letting visitors see a full season’s effort come together in one weekend.

See It For Yourself With Washington County Farm Tours

Ready to see the season in motion? Washington County’s farm tours put you right in the middle of everything.

Gardenworks Farm in Salem offers tours right on their own farm alongside u-pick berries and a seasonal café, while Victory View Vineyard leads guided walking tours through their vines. Both have also hosted stops on the Art + Ag Tour and County Bounty Tour, Washington County’s annual self-guided farm tour events that open up dozens of working farms to visitors for a single day each. For a fiber-focused version, the Washington County Fiber Tour each April welcomes visitors onto farms raising sheep, alpacas, and angora rabbits.

Or, spend some time at the Washington County Fair’s great 4-H and agricultural displays to learn more about your favorite products and local farmers!

Beyond Farm Tours: More On-the-Farm Fun

Want to keep exploring? Pick your own berries, potatoes, and more throughout the season, browse farmers markets and farm stands for the freshest local goods, or get up close with farm animals at farms across the county. For the full picture of agritourism in Washington County, visit our Agritourism article.