Canadian Agriculture at a Glance
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This edition of Canadian Agriculture at a Glance aims to open the barn doors of Canadian agriculture to farming and non-farming Canadians by providing an informative and unbiased look at the state of agriculture in the country.
The 2016 Census of Agriculture—the basis for the articles—found fewer than 1% of Canadians are farm operators. Yet, all Canadians participate in the agri-food sector when they go grocery shopping and make food choices.
Statistics Canada’s mandate is to provide information to all Canadians so they can make sound, fact-based decisions—whether on the farm or in the grocery aisle. Its wealth of objective data on the agriculture sector can help you make your own choices.
Female and young farm operators represent a new era of Canadian farmers
by Matthew Shumsky and Allison Nelson, Agriculture Division
This article focuses on the emergence of the next generation of Canadian farm operators. The rise of adaptive and educated female farm operators in synergy with progressive and resourceful young farm operators is changing the perception of the typical farmer.
Faced with modernizing farming practises, female and young farm operators are placing greater emphasis on educational attainment. While agricultural operations evolve into large-scale, capital-intensive entities, female and young farm operators are adapting by diversifying revenue streams and acquiring farm land through innovative methods.
Innovation and healthy living propel growth in certain other crops
by Matthew Shumsky, Agriculture Division
With increasing attention on health-conscious agricultural products, farm operations are focusing on particular varieties of “other crops” to try and meet consumer needs. “Other crops” encompass both fruits and vegetables, as well as field crops. These “other” commodities are collected by the Census of Agriculture program using write-in fields which are then coded and grouped into similar product classes. This article serves to highlight some of the emerging trends on select “other crops”.
Dairy goats in Ontario: a growing industry
by Mallory McGonegal, Agriculture Division
The number of goats for dairy on agricultural operations in Ontario is increasing as farmers expand and optimize production. When compared to other agricultural operations in the province, dairy goat operations can differ in terms of demographic, geographic, financial and organizational characteristics.
Other livestock and poultry in Canada
by Mitra Rostami, Agriculture Division
While Canadian livestock is often associated with more traditional sectors such as cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry, Canadian farms raise a host of other livestock and poultry. Other livestock in Canada include, for example, horses, donkeys, rabbits and deer. Other poultry in Canada include, for example, ducks, geese, ostriches and pheasants. Other livestock and poultry can be found on a variety of operations, with varying demographic and financial characteristics.
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