NAICS 111940

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the framework federal statistical agencies use to assign industry codes to establishments so they can collect, analyze, and publish data on the U.S. economy. Created under the Office of Management and Budget and first adopted in 1997, NAICS is jointly maintained with Canada and Mexico to keep definitions comparable across North America and is currently implemented in its 2022 vintage. ¹

NAICS 111940 — Hay Farming — covers establishments primarily engaged in growing hay, including alfalfa, clover, and mixed hay. Grain hay is classified in NAICS 1111 (Oilseed and Grain Farming). Grass and hay seeds are classified in NAICS 111998 (All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming). Production generally ends at the “farm gate,” the point of first sale or price determination. ²

What this NAICS covers

• Cultivation and harvesting of hay crops for sale at the farm gate. ²
• Growing alfalfa specifically for hay. ²
• Growing clover specifically for hay. ²
• Producing mixed grass–legume hay (e.g., alfalfa–grass mixes). ²
• Field operations integral to hay production prior to first sale or price determination. ²
• Establishments where hay constitutes at least one-half of agricultural production value. ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
NAICS	1111	Oilseed and Grain Farming (covers grain hay) 2
NAICS	111998	All Other Miscellaneous Crop Farming (covers grass and hay seeds) 2
NAICS	115112	Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating (support activities classified in Subsector 115) 2
NAICS	115114	Postharvest Crop Activities (except Cotton Ginning) (support activities classified in Subsector 115) 2

SBA small business size standard (contracting context)

For NAICS 111940, the Small Business Administration size standard is $2.5 million in average annual receipts (effective March 17, 2023). ⁵

Inclusion and exclusion notes

• Included: establishments primarily growing hay, including alfalfa, clover, and mixed hay, with hay accounting for at least half of agricultural production value. ²
• Excluded: grain hay (classified in NAICS 1111). ²
• Excluded: production of grass and hay seeds (classified in NAICS 111998). ²
• Excluded: firms providing only support services (e.g., farm management, postharvest services), which are classified in Subsector 115. ²

Data availability and labeling

• The 2022 Economic Census provides data series for NAICS Sector 11 (Agriculture), with tables released on a 2022 NAICS basis. ⁴
• Code labels for 2022 include “111940 | Hay Farming” in Census NAICS listings used across programs. ³

Frequently asked questions

• What activities define NAICS 111940?

  • Establishments primarily grow hay crops such as alfalfa, clover, or mixed hay, with production typically ending at the farm gate (first sale/price point). Grain hay is classified under NAICS 1111. ²

• Is seed production for hay grasses included in 111940?

  • No. Establishments growing grass and hay seeds are classified under NAICS 111998, not NAICS 111940. ²

• Are service providers that manage hay farms coded in 111940?

  • No. Entities that only manage farms or provide crop support, planting, cultivating, or postharvest services are in Subsector 115 (e.g., NAICS 115112, NAICS 115114). ²

• What is the SBA small business size standard for 111940?

  • The current SBA size standard is $2.5 million in average annual receipts for NAICS 111940, effective March 17, 2023, as shown in SBA’s Table of Size Standards. ⁵

• Does NAICS 111940 exist in the 2022 NAICS structure?

  • Yes. 2022 code lists include “111940 | Hay Farming” in official Census value labels and related documentation. ³

Useful resources

• G2X — NAICS 111940: https://app.g2xchange.com/naics/111940
• U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS: Codes & Understanding Industry Classification (2022 guidance). ¹
• U.S. Census Bureau — Sector 11 Agriculture, including 111940 definition and cross-references (archival manual text). ²
• U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 Economic Census, NAICS Sector 11 data access. ⁴
• SBA — Table of Small Business Size Standards (effective March 17, 2023). ⁵

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau — Economic Census: NAICS Codes & Understanding Industry Classification Systems, 2022 Guidance. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/economic-census/year/2022/technical-documentation/code-lists/understanding-naics-redirect.html
2. U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS Manual (archival): Sector 11 — Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting; includes 111940 Hay Farming definition and cross-references. https://www.census.gov/naics/resources/archives/sect11.html
3. U.S. Census Bureau — LEHD Snapshot Documentation: NAICS 2022 code labels (includes 111940 | Hay Farming). https://lehd.ces.census.gov/data/lehd-snapshot-doc/latest/appendices/value_labels.html
4. U.S. Census Bureau — 2022 NAICS Sector 11: Agriculture (Economic Census data access page). https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2022/econ/economic-census/naics-sector-11.html
5. U.S. Small Business Administration — Table of Small Business Size Standards (effective March 17, 2023). https://www.sba.gov/document/support--table-size-standards