Do New Yorkers respect farmers? ?

Last time I looked, NY farms were the second largest producers of dairy products and apples in the country. They lose some respect when they drive their tractors pulling a manure spreader along the state hiway at 5mph.

There's no single answer when you're talking about 8.3 million people's opinions. My guess is, they do. It may not be the life they want for themselves, but they'd respect it. 

I think most would.

New Yorkers in general are clued in enough to the world to know that making a living as a farmer is not easy.

Much as living in NYC is not easy in a different way.

Also consider that a lot of city people in general are foodies so they tend to do some research about where their food comes from and what's involved in that.