Agriculture & Dairy
Lewis County is built on agriculture, and it continues to drive our economy forward. Home to approximately 190 dairy farms and more than 27,000 milking cows, Lewis County ranks #6 in New York State for milk production. Our open farmland, family-owned operations, and strong community roots have shaped a thriving agricultural ecosystem that’s ready for the future.
Here, agriculture isn’t just about the farms - it’s about the entire network that supports them. Within a 30-mile radius, you’ll find equipment dealerships, feed and seed suppliers, veterinarians, milk and manure haulers, crop consultants, and more, all working together to keep the industry running strong. For every $1 in milk sales, another $2.29 is generated through supporting businesses, creating ripple effects throughout the regional economy.
Whether you’re in production, processing, technology, or agri-services, Lewis County offers a built-in support network, access to regional and state markets, and a community that values hard work and innovation.
If agriculture is your business, Lewis County is where it can grow.
Manufacturing
In Lewis County, we know how to make things, and make them well. From world-class firearm maintenance tools to the most trusted bowling pins on the planet, our manufacturers combine small-town grit with global impact.
Take OTIS Technology, for example; a company born in a Lewis County garage when a 16-year-old local inventor had an idea that would revolutionize firearm cleaning. Today, OTIS is a nationally recognized brand built on innovation and persistence. Or QubicaAMF, the world’s leading producer of bowling pins, proudly manufactures right here in Lewis County thanks to our access to hard maple, skilled workers, and reliable supply chains.
What makes manufacturing thrive here? It starts with our dedicated workforce, affordable utilities, and business-friendly environment. Add in local tax incentives, regional microloan programs, and room to grow, and you’ve got a place where manufacturers can build, expand, and succeed.
With access to natural resources, open land, and a strategic location in Northern New York, Lewis County is a natural fit for innovation and manufacturing.
Food & Beverage
In Lewis County, great food starts with great ingredients — and we’ve got plenty of them. With rich agricultural soils, clean water, rolling farmland, and thriving forests, this region provides the perfect foundation for food and beverage businesses to grow and thrive.
Our farms fuel both local favorites and global brands. Kraft Heinz produces Philadelphia Cream Cheese and string cheese right here in Lewis County, using milk from our own dairy farms. That same milk also finds its way to regional processors like Fage Yogurt in Johnstown, Great Lakes Cheese in Adams, and artisan makers such as Black River Valley Natural in Lyons Falls.
Beyond dairy, you’ll find award-winning maple syrup, Croghan Bologna, goat cheese and milk products, local honey, and a growing number of specialty producers who take pride in their craft.
With an abundance of natural resources, proximity to major markets, and a community rooted in agriculture, Lewis County offers food and beverage companies a place to create, collaborate, and grow.
Tourism
In Lewis County, adventure isn’t a weekend getaway — it’s a way of life. From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the rolling hills of the Black River Valley and the snow-covered Tug Hill Plateau, our landscape offers endless opportunity for exploration in every season.
Visitors come for the breathtaking scenery, hundreds of miles of trails, and authentic rural charm — but for locals, this is simply home. With 232,000 acres of public land, 525 miles of snowmobile trails, 500 miles of ATV routes, and one of the largest horseback riding trail systems in the Northeast, the possibilities for recreation and adventure are limitless. And when the snow flies, Tug Hill becomes a winter wonderland — boasting some of the heaviest snowfall in the eastern U.S., drawing riders, skiers, and snow lovers from across the region.
Lewis County’s tourism industry is growing alongside the agritourism and local foods movement, with experiences like the Lewis County Cuisine Trail connecting visitors to local farms, flavors, and stories. Whether it’s lodging, dining, guiding, rentals, or outdoor recreation, there’s room to grow a tourism-based business here — backed by a loyal visitor base and a community that welcomes adventure.
In Lewis County, nature sets the stage, and your business can be part of the experience.
Green Energy
Sustainability isn’t just a goal in Lewis County — it’s part of how we do business. As the first Clean Energy Community in the North Country, recognized by NYSERDA, Lewis County has taken bold steps to reduce energy use, cut costs, and champion innovation. From installing electric vehicle charging stations to adopting energy benchmarking policies and training local code officers in best practices, our communities are leading the way toward a cleaner, more efficient future.
We’re also working to become a Climate Smart Community, creating a comprehensive Climate Action Plan to guide our efforts in energy use, materials management, and sustainable land use. And it’s not just planning — it’s happening. Lewis County is home to two active wind farms, two active solar farms, and the Black River, the third most developed hydroelectric watershed in New York State, generating 182 MW of clean power.
With ample wind, water, and land resources, and strong incentives from New York State and local utilities, Lewis County is an ideal location for companies focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green innovation.
Here, the landscape doesn’t just inspire — it empowers. Join us in building a cleaner, brighter future in Lewis County.