Fall in New York is more than just crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy sweaters. It’s a time to celebrate our farmers and the food they provide! From dairy and beef to poultry and pork, New York’s farmers work year-round to keep fresh, local food on our tables.
Whether you’re planning a fun weekend with family, looking for adventures with friends, or just soaking up the autumn vibes, we’ve put together the ultimate Fall Bucket List with a farm-fresh twist!
Fall Bucket List: Animal Agriculture Edition
Visit a Local Fall Farm Event – Corn mazes, hayrides, and pumpkin patches are fall staples, but why not add a stop at a working dairy, beef, or livestock farm? Many farms open their doors in the fall, offering tours, petting zoos, and tasty farm-fresh products.
Sip on a Dairy-licious Pumpkin Spice Latte – Pumpkin spice season is in full swing, make sure your latte is made with real New York dairy milk! That creamy, rich taste comes straight from our hardworking dairy farmers. Support local agriculture by choosing real milk over plant-based alternatives.
Visit a Farmstand or Butcher Shop to Support Local Farmers – Stop by a roadside farm stand, butcher shop, or local grocery store that carries New York-raised meats and dairy products. Pick up fresh milk, cheese, yogurt, farm-raised beef, pork, or poultry to stock up for cozy fall meals.
Take a Drive Through Farm Country – Fall foliage is breathtaking in farm country! Take a scenic drive past rolling pastures where dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, and goats graze among the autumn leaves. Stop by a local farm store for fresh goodies to bring home.
Carve a Farm-Themed Pumpkin – Instead of a traditional jack-o’-lantern, carve a cow, pig, chicken, or barn into your pumpkin this year! Share your masterpiece on social media with #NYFarmPumpkin and tag your favorite local farm.
Try a New Dairy Recipe – Fall is the perfect excuse to bake! Whether it’s homemade apple pie, pumpkin bread, or mac and cheese, ensure your recipe includes real wholesome ingredients like butter, cream, or cheese. Your taste buds will thank you! Here are 10 fun, fall dessert recipes to please the entire family!
Celebrate National Farmers Day on October 12 – Show some appreciation for the farmers who work 365 days a year to provide safe, high-quality food. Thank a farmer on social media, buy local products, or visit a farm event to learn more about where your food comes from.
Enjoy a Cozy Fall Cookout with NY-Grown Meat – Cooler temps make for the perfect bonfire or finally grilling cookout of the year! Fire up the grill with beef, pork, or chicken and enjoy farm-fresh flavors while soaking in the autumn scenery and crisp October air!
Try a New York Cheddar & Apple Pairing – Apples and cheese are a match made in farm-fresh heaven! Pick up some sharp New York cheddar and pair it with fresh apples for a perfect fall snack.
Visit a Farm Brewery or Cidery Supporting NY Agriculture – Many farm breweries and cideries use New York-grown ingredients, including honey, dairy, and grains. In addition, many of the byproducts from the brewing process are fed to cattle as a protein-rich feed, creating a symbiotic relationship that we can all get behind!
Check Out a Local Farmers’ Market Before the Season Ends – Farmers’ markets are full of fall flavors, fresh eggs, locally-raised meats, cheese, and baked goods. Grab a farm-fresh breakfast and stock up on fall essentials.
Learn About the Nutritional Benefits of Animal Protein – Did you know beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and dairy provide essential nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins? This fall, take some time to learn how these foods fit into a balanced diet and share the facts with friends! You can always find reliable information by following @nyanimalag on social media!
Make a Charcuterie Board with NY Meats & Cheeses – Fall gatherings call for charcuterie boards! Use locally-sourced cheeses, cured meats, and honey to create a farm-fresh snack tray.
Try Cooking with Pork from NY Farmers – From apple-glazed pork chops to pulled pork sandwiches, there are endless ways to enjoy locally raised pork this fall. Find a new recipe and support New York pig farmers!
Learn About Farm Animal Well-Being & Sustainability – Farmers work hard to ensure their animals are healthy, comfortable, and well cared for. This fall, take some time to learn about how farmers use sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact while raising livestock. You can check out Dairy4Good’s page for fun facts, infographics, and informative videos about sustainable farming and dairy production!
Visit a Pumpkin Patch That Feeds Leftover Pumpkins to Farm Animals – Many farms feed unsold pumpkins to their cows, pigs, and chickens as a nutritious treat! Ask your local farm if they do this, and if so, drop off your uncarved pumpkins after Halloween!
Enjoy a Warm Mug of Hot Chocolate Made with Real Dairy – Nothing beats hot chocolate made with real New York milk on a chilly fall evening. Skip the water-based mix and go for farm-fresh dairy!
Follow & Support NY Farmers on Social Media – Farmers love sharing their daily life and the work that goes into raising animals. This fall, follow a New York dairy, beef, pork, or poultry farmer on social media to learn more about how your favorite foods are produced! You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all things Animal Agriculture!
Make it fun, flavorful, and farm-focused no matter how you celebrate fall!
Share your favorite dairy and livestock-inspired fall activities by tagging us on social media, @nyanimalag. Happy Fall from NYAAC!
