44 Canadian Agriculture Facts That Every Farmer Should Know

Agriculture is a significant industry in Canada.

Unfortunately, only around 7 % of Canada's land is suitable for farming. Canadian agriculture is confronted with numerous issues.

Crop protection, climate change, labor, soil conservation, and health are just a few of the problems at hand. Farmers work hard to ensure that farm animals have the resources they need to thrive, including sufficient feed, clean water, immunizations, and biosecurity.

Since 1991, British Columbia farms have expanded by 12.6%, Nova Scotia by 1%, Alberta by 3%, and Newfoundland by 0.8%. Farming is a primary industry in Canada!

Most Produced Crops Of Canada

Wheat is the most widely planted crop in Canada, followed by canola. Wheat and corn are commonly farmed in the country. Soybeans are primarily cultivated in Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba, whereas canola is produced mainly in Western Canada.

Agriculture occupies less than 8% of Canada's total land area.

The remainder has been created as an urban environment, is woodland or shrubland, or is extremely difficult to cultivate (think Arctic areas).

However, livestock can thrive in rocky, steep, damp, or dry terrain.

It allows farmers to develop food in areas where yields cannot grow.

It's no surprise that Canadian farmers generate such a diverse range of livestock and crop products, given its vast land area spanning numerous regions. For example, Quebec produces the most blueberries in Canada, as well as has the most dairy farms and cows.

Healthier animals require fewer natural resources, enabling them to get more labor, food, companionship, fertilizer, and aid for the same amount of water, feed, and land.

Agriculture receives money from both the federal and state governments in Canada.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is the current budget structure for agriculture.

Largest Farms In Canada

The Alexis Creek Ranch of British Columbia, with 546.875 sq mi (1416.4 sq km), was the biggest in Canada. The properties of S. Kidman & Co. span 62137.1 mi (100,000 km) and comprise approximately 155,000 branded cattle.

It is accountable for 1.3 % of Australia's total packaged beef exports. The population of farms in Canada is estimated to be 275,000.

On February 11, Canada's Agriculture Day will be celebrated around the country, honoring the beneficial effect of the agriculture sector and producers.

However, only 2% of Canadian farms are held by families.

Nevertheless, agriculture employed one in every eight Canadians and contributed about $142.7 billion to the national economy during 2019, making it a significant source of economic growth.

The agri-food sector in Canada is complicated and interconnected.

Agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and food and beverage manufacturing are all part of the agri-food industry.

Canada's Main Agricultural Export

Canola and wheat have contributed to at least half of Canada's overall crop exports since 2009. Canada is the world's leading grower and exporter of flax-seed, exporting to over 50 nations in 2017.

It is also the world's top producer and supplier of maple syrup, accounting for around 80% of global production.

Having pulse exports from over 120 nations in 2018, Canada is the world's leading provider and exporter of dry peas and lentils.

As a result, Canadians have recourse to one of the world's safest and most plentiful food supplies.

Canola, calves and cattle, veal and beef, veggies, and poultry are among Canada's main agricultural products.

In addition, the country produces around 85% of the world's maple syrup and is the world's leading producer and supplier of pulses (beans, peas, and lentils), as well as durum wheat (a variety employed to make pasta).

In 2016, Canadian exports totaled more than $60 billion.

The agriculture of Canada is diverse and ever-changing.

Crop production is only possible on a small portion of Canada's landmass.

The Prairie Provinces account for around four-fifths of this farmland, where long hot days and enough rainfall combine to produce outstanding grain yields. 

Facts About Canadian Agriculture

Men account for 72.5 % of Canadian farmers, while women account for 27.5 %. Chris Hadfield grew up on a grain farm from southern Ontario and was the foremost Canadian who led the International Space Station. Yet, long before he obtained his first mechanical engineering degree, he attributes farming to teaching him how machines operate.

Canada grows over 125 distinct vegetables and fruit crops from coast to coast.

Over 80% of vegetable sales are made by farmers in Quebec and Ontario. A large proportion of fruit sales are made by farmers in British Columbia (38%), Ontario (27%), and Quebec (23%).

Some farmers cultivate and sell heritage varieties of grains and vegetables that were once prevalent and are no longer employed in contemporary food production. Chefs and consumers reward foods made from these different crops for their distinct flavors and attributes.

87% of all eggs purchased in Canadian grocery shops are 'normal,' 8% are omega-3, while 5% are other specialty sorts.

The average price of a 1/4 chicken supper at Swiss Chalet, as per the chicken farmers of Canada, is $10.19 (excluding taxes or tip), with the farmer's portion accounting for 10% of the cost.

Whether pets or livestock, the healthcare of animals is closely related to human and environmental well-being, implying that improved animal health is critical to long-term sustainability.

Over the last two decades, farmers, businesses, and governments have collaborated to enhance livestock welfare.

Canadian egg farmers, for instance, are phasing out the usage of tiny enclosures for their hens.

Eastern Canada was home to almost two-thirds of all poultry farms.

Food safety systems, both on the field and at the processing plant, aid in identifying crucial control points when food safety may be jeopardized.

Independent auditors monitor, record, and validate identified risks.

On their farms, Canadian producers emphasize water quality and adhere to tight norms and rules to help maintain pure water.

In addition, the nutrient planning process (which includes commercial fertilizers, manure, and other nutrient sources for cropland) ensures that crops and soils receive all of the nutrients' benefits while avoiding environmental harm.

Agriculture is a significant part of Canada's economy.

The University of Guelph houses the Ontario Agricultural College.

Agriculture employed 269,000 people in 2018.

Farmers, in turn, provide raw materials to the much bigger food processing and production businesses.

Like all other natural resource industries, the farming sector makes a significant indirect and direct contribution to Canadians' livelihoods.

More laborers are desperately needed on Canadian farms.

Many Canadians dislike working on farms.

Most agricultural work is seasonal, but most Canadians prefer year-round employment.

As a result, agricultural producers have been hiring temporary employees from other countries for decades.