The 15 Largest Agricultural Industries in Pennsylvania (And Where They Are Located)

3/7/2026

The 15 Largest Agricultural Industries in Pennsylvania (And Where They Are Located)

Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse agricultural economies in the United States. With more than 7 million acres of farmland and over 50,000 farms, agriculture remains a major economic driver throughout the Commonwealth.

The state’s geography, climate, and soil diversity support a wide range of agricultural industries, from dairy farming and poultry production to specialty crops like mushrooms, apples, and maple syrup.

Different regions of Pennsylvania have developed strong agricultural specializations over time, often driven by soil conditions, climate, local markets, and agricultural infrastructure.

Understanding where these industries are concentrated helps buyers, investors, and farm families better understand the agricultural landscape across the state.

Below are the 15 largest agricultural industries in Pennsylvania and the regions where they are most commonly found.

 

1. Dairy Farming

Dairy farming remains one of the largest agricultural industries in Pennsylvania. The state consistently ranks among the top dairy-producing states in the country, with thousands of dairy farms producing milk used for fluid milk products, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy goods.

Major dairy farming regions include:

  • Lancaster County
  • Franklin County
  • Centre County
  • Blair County
  • Cumberland County

These regions have long supported dairy farming due to strong forage production and established milk processing infrastructure.

 

2. Poultry Production

Poultry production is another major agricultural industry in Pennsylvania.

The state produces large quantities of:

  • chicken
  • eggs
  • turkey

Poultry farming is particularly concentrated in southeastern and south-central Pennsylvania.

Major poultry-producing counties include:

  • Lancaster County
  • Lebanon County
  • Berks County
  • York County

Large poultry operations often include multiple poultry houses designed for efficient large-scale production.

 

3. Mushroom Production

Pennsylvania produces more mushrooms than any other state, with the majority of production located in Chester County.

The town of Kennett Square is widely known as the “Mushroom Capital of the World.”

Mushroom farms in this region produce millions of pounds annually and supply markets throughout the United States.

This industry relies heavily on controlled indoor growing environments rather than traditional farmland.

 

4. Corn and Grain Farming

Corn and grain farming are foundational components of Pennsylvania agriculture.

Corn is widely grown across the state and is used for:

  • livestock feed
  • grain markets
  • silage for dairy farms

Major grain-producing regions include:

  • Lancaster County
  • York County
  • Franklin County
  • Centre County
  • Snyder County

These regions benefit from strong soils and large farm operations.

 

5. Soybean Production

Soybeans are often grown alongside corn in crop rotation systems.

Soybeans are used for:

  • livestock feed
  • vegetable oil
  • processed food products

Major soybean-producing regions include:

  • central Pennsylvania
  • the Susquehanna Valley
  • south-central Pennsylvania

Crop rotation between corn and soybeans helps maintain soil productivity.

 

6. Apple Orchards

Pennsylvania ranks among the leading apple-producing states.

The Adams County fruit belt is one of the most productive apple-growing regions in the eastern United States.

Major apple production areas include:

  • Adams County
  • Franklin County
  • York County

These orchards supply fresh apples, cider, and processed apple products.

 

7. Vegetable Farming

Pennsylvania farmers grow a wide variety of vegetables including:

  • sweet corn
  • tomatoes
  • pumpkins
  • peppers
  • squash

Vegetable farming is concentrated in regions with strong soils and access to large consumer markets.

Important vegetable-producing areas include:

  • Lancaster County
  • Berks County
  • Chester County
  • Lehigh County

Many farms sell produce through both wholesale markets and direct-to-consumer farm markets.

 

8. Hay and Forage Production

Hay and forage crops are essential components of Pennsylvania agriculture because they support the state’s large livestock industry. Hay production is common throughout rural regions of the state.

Major hay-producing areas include:

  • central Pennsylvania
  • northern Pennsylvania
  • western Pennsylvania

These crops are primarily used for dairy and livestock feed.

 

9. Beef Cattle Production

Pennsylvania has a strong beef cattle industry, particularly in rural and mountainous areas. Beef cattle operations often occur on farms with pastureland that may not be suitable for crop production.

Major cattle-producing regions include:

  • western Pennsylvania
  • northern Pennsylvania
  • central Pennsylvania

Counties such as Somerset, Bedford, and Tioga support significant cattle operations.

 

10. Hog Farming

Hog production is another important agricultural sector in Pennsylvania. Hog farms are often located in regions with strong grain production, which provides feed for livestock.

Major hog farming regions include:

  • Lancaster County
  • York County
  • Lebanon County

Many hog farms are part of integrated agricultural operations that include crop farming.

 

11. Horse Farms and Equestrian Operations

Pennsylvania has a large equestrian industry that includes:

  • horse breeding
  • horse training facilities
  • equestrian farms

Chester County is particularly known for its horse farms, but equestrian properties can be found throughout southeastern Pennsylvania.

Horse farms often include pastureland, barns, and riding facilities.

 

12. Christmas Tree Farming

Pennsylvania is one of the leading Christmas tree-producing states.

Christmas tree farms are common in:

  • northern Pennsylvania
  • western Pennsylvania
  • the Allegheny Plateau region

Popular tree varieties include:

  • Douglas fir
  • Fraser fir
  • Scotch pine

These farms supply Christmas trees to markets across the eastern United States.

 

13. Maple Syrup Production

Maple syrup production occurs primarily in the northern tier of Pennsylvania, where sugar maple trees are abundant.

Major maple syrup-producing counties include:

  • Potter County
  • Tioga County
  • McKean County

These regions have long winters and large maple forests suitable for syrup production.

 

14. Vineyard and Winery Operations

Pennsylvania has a growing wine industry supported by vineyards across several regions.

Major wine-producing areas include:

  • Erie County (Lake Erie wine region)
  • Lehigh Valley
  • southeastern Pennsylvania

Erie County is particularly known for its grape vineyards due to the moderating influence of Lake Erie.

 

15. Organic and Specialty Agriculture

Organic farming and specialty agriculture have grown significantly in Pennsylvania in recent years.

These operations often produce:

  • organic vegetables
  • specialty grains
  • niche agricultural products

Organic farms can be found throughout the state but are particularly common near population centers where demand for locally produced food is strong.

 

Why Agricultural Industries Vary Across Pennsylvania

The diversity of agricultural industries across Pennsylvania is influenced by several factors:

  • soil productivity
  • climate conditions
  • access to markets
  • agricultural infrastructure
  • regional farming traditions

These factors shape which crops and livestock operations dominate specific regions of the state.

 

The Importance of Agriculture to Pennsylvania’s Land Market

Agriculture plays a major role in Pennsylvania’s land market.

The strength of regional agricultural industries often influences:

  • farmland values
  • demand for agricultural land
  • farm expansion opportunities
  • agricultural investment trends

Understanding the distribution of agricultural industries can help buyers, investors, and farm families better evaluate farmland opportunities across the state.

 

Final Advisory Perspective

Pennsylvania’s agricultural economy is remarkably diverse, with major industries ranging from dairy farming and poultry production to orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops.

Each agricultural industry tends to cluster in regions where soil conditions, climate, and market access create favorable conditions for production.

For landowners, farmers, and investors, understanding these regional agricultural patterns can provide valuable insight into farmland markets and long-term agricultural opportunities across the Commonwealth.