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FACT SHEET: Oneida Indian Nation Agriculture

Story Created: Aug 11, 2008 at 1:44 PM EDT

Story Updated: Mar 19, 2010 at 1:53 PM EDT

Since the opening of Turning Stone Resort and Casino, the Oneida Nation has slowly returned Oneida lands to agricultural production. Owners of the largest farm in Madison County (3,200 acres including pasture land), the Nation's Agriculture Department, located on Route 46 just outside of Oneida, uses modern equipment and top agricultural practices to yield healthy livestock and crops while being a friend of the environment. The department has seven employees.

The Black Angus Herd

  • The Oneida agricultural enterprise's herd is ninety percent Black Angus. The rest are Hereford (Angus cross) and "Baldies" Black Angus with a white face.
  • The high-quality, hormone- and steroid-free beef from the herd is available for purchase by Nation Members and employees living locally.
  • Black Angus is served at Turning Stone Resort and Casino restaurants, including the Forest Grill Steakhouse and Pino Bianco Trattoria.

Traditional Crops and Feed

  • Traditional Oneida crops include ceremonial white corn, beans, and squash, known as The Three Sisters and sustainers of life in Oneida tradition.
  • Tobacco is grown for use by Oneida members or other American Indians for traditional ceremonies.
  • The farm grows 2,000 acres of corn, barley, soybeans and wheat. An additional 800 acres produces haylege (resulting in 10,000 tons of haylege).
  • Surplus crops are sold to local farmers.





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