Agriculture in Canada

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Agriculture in Canada is the production of various food/feed/fiber commodities to fulfill domestic and international human and animal sustenance needs. Plant cultivation and livestock production have abandoned subsistence agricultural practices in favour of intensive technological farming resulting in cash crops which contribute to the economy of Canada. The particular commodity produced is dependant upon its particular biogeography or ecozone and can also be classified by Canadian province. Agricultural techniques and activities have evolved for food/feed/fiber production. The nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle and the ox and plow farmer proving up on his quarter section of land in no way resemble the present farmer operating huge amounts of land or livestock with their attendant technological mechanization.^[1] Challenges to the future of Canadian agriculture include developing sustainable water management strategies for a cyclical drought prone climate, updating dryland farming techniques, stabilizing organic definitions or protocols and the decision to grow, or not to grow genetically modified foods. Domestically and internationally, some commodities have faced increased scrutiny from disease and the ensuing marketing issues.

Agriculture in Canada began with first nations tribal practices where the gentlemen follow livestock movement, a form of transhumance and the ladies and young remain at home carrying out a hunting and gathering lifesyle. Upon arrival of the fur trader and immigrants, plant cultivation combined with pastoralism or ranching began. The Dominion Land Act of 1872 offered pioneers an opportunity to prove up a quarter section of land (one hundred and sixty acres) in Western Canada for a $10.00 filing fee.^[2] The 1901 census showed 511,100 farms and the number of farms peaked in 1941 at a record 732,800 farms.^[3]. Canadian farms, fisheries and ranches produce a wide variety of crops, livestock, food, feed, fiber, fuel and other goods by the systematic raising of plants and animals which are dependant upon the geography of the province. In 2001 Canadian farms numbered only 246,923 at a size of 676 acres (2.74 km²) as the production of food and fiber for human or livestock sustenance has evolved into intensive and industrial practices. ^[4][5] As of 2002, wheat constituted the largest crop area at 12.6%. Canadian farmers received a record $36.3 billion in 2001 from livestock, crop sales and program payments. ^[6] In 2001, the accrued net income of farm operators from farm production amounted to 1,633 million dollars, which amounts to 0.147% of Canada's gross domestic product at market prices which is 1,108,200 million dollars. ^[7] Fisheries are also playing an important role while forestry plays a secondary role. Canada's evolution has abandoned subsistence techniques and now sees a mere 3% of Canada's population employed as a mechanized industrial farmer who are able feed the rest of the nation's population of 30,689.0 thousand people (2001) as well as export to foreign markets. ^[8]. (Canada's estimated population was 32,777,300 on January 1, 2007. ^[9]. )

Agriculture in Canada comprises five main agricultural production sectors of commodity production resulting in farm cash receipts from both domestic and foreign markets. ^[10]

Five Largest Agricultural Production Sectors.^[11]

Sector	per cent cash receipt	Primary market
grains and oilseeds (wheat, durum, oats, barley, rye, flax seed, canola, soybeans, and corn)	34%	domestic and export
red meats - livestock (beef cattle, hogs, veal, and lamb)	27%	domestic and export
dairy	12%	domestic
horticulture	9%	domestic
poultry and eggs	8%	domestic

Various factors affect the socio-economic characteristics of Canadian agriculture.

Agricultural analytical factors^[12]

Quantity and type of farms

Biogeography: crop and land use areas; land management practices

Quantity of livestock and poultry

Agricultural engineering: Farm machinery and equipment

Farm capital

Farm operating expenses and receipts

Farm-related injuries

Contents 1 History of agriculture in Canada 2 Major agricultural products 2.1 Crops 2.2 Horticulture 2.3 Viticulture 2.4 Livestock 2.5 Poultry and eggs 2.6 Dairy 2.7 Fisheries 2.8 Fiber 2.9 Organic farming 2.10 Other 3 Production 4 Trade 5 Agriculture by province/territory 5.1 Newfoundland 5.2 Maritime Provinces 5.3 Atlantic Provinces 5.4 Quebec 5.5 Ontario 5.6 Prairie Provinces 5.6.1 Manitoba 5.6.2 Saskatchewan 5.6.3 Alberta 5.7 British Columbia 5.8 Northern Territorial Region 6 Farm equipment 7 Future challenges 7.1 Drought 7.2 Soil conservation and reclamation 7.3 Disease and pests 7.4 Genetically modified crops/animals 8 Canadian agricultural government departments 9 Developmental and Educational Institutions 10 Research 11 Industry categories 12 Canadian industries 13 See also 14 References 15 Books 16 External links

[edit] History of agriculture in Canada

First Nations inhabitants of Canada are the first to process plants and animals to produce food. There was the hunter-gather lifestyle of the mainland which combined the use of buffalo jump hunting methods, fishing, berry, and herb gathering. Indigenous agricultural mainstays varied depending on the geographical area. The animal hunted also varied depending on geographical area. The Inuit traditionally would take part in Aboriginal whaling; the Dene in caribou hunting; coastal native nations such as Haida would make use of ocean fishing. ^{[13] [14]}

The East settled initially with European civilization as Upper Canada and Lower Canada before Rupert's Land and the Northwest Territories.

With the arrival of the European fur trader , inland first nations developed animal trapping and many Woodland Cree relied on their skills as the area fur trapper. ^[15] Along the U.S.A. Canada border or medicine line, the land was more suitable for cattle grazing. As the buffalo population decreased, ranching ventures increased; as well the practice of extensive farming began. Rural sociology thus developed with a Canadian identity, and geography.

The advent of Canada's confederation, presented the nation with the task of building a transcontinental railway. Railways were hesitant to build across the prairies, so an intensive immigration policy was implemented to encourage agricultural settlement. Agricultural science began developing many new styles of farming and strains of wheat and crops so that homesteading could become a successful venture. Farming methods were developed at places such as Indian Head Experimental Farm, Rosthern Experimental Station, and Bell Farm. The Better Farming Train traveled around rural areas educating pioneer farmers.^[16] Many western farms were a quarter section which would be 160 acres (a quarter square mile, 65 hectares). The industrial revolution modernized the farming industry as mechanized vehicles replaced the oxen ploughed land or the horse drawn cart. Farms became much larger, and mechanized evolving towards industrial agriculture. See also History of Agriculture.

One major difference in the perspective of agriculture between the nineteenth and twentieth century is that the hunter gatherer lifestyle was more of a subsistence lifestyle, and early homesteaders grew mainly subsistence crops which would feed their own family and livestock. With population growth, advances in agricultural science, permanent settled lifestyle farmers started growing cash crops which would provide money giving an economic base for the family.

The Canada Agriculture Museum preserves Canadian agricultural history. ^[17]

[edit] Major agricultural products

[edit] Crops

In 1925, Saskatchewan produced over half of the wheat in the Dominion of Canada threshing in excess of 240,000,000 bushels (6,500,000 t) of wheat. ^[18] North America has many times led other international continents as the main producer of wheat in total world production. Rapeseed, alfalfa, barley, canola, flax, rye, and oats are other popularly grown grain crops.

Wheat is a staple crop from Canada. To help homesteaders attain an abundance harvest in a foreshortened growing season, varieties of wheat were developed at the beginning of the twentieth century. Red Fife was the first strain; it was a wheat which could be seeded in the fall and sprout in the early spring. Red Fife ripened a week and half sooner and was a harder wheat than other spring wheats. Dr. C. Saunders, experimented further with Red Fife, and developed Marquis Wheat, resistant to rust, and came to maturity within 100 days. Some other types of wheat grown are durum, spelt, and winter wheat.

[edit] Horticulture

Horticulture which includes garden crops, and fruits became easier to grow with the development of plant hardiness zones. ^[19] Apples, pears, plums and prunes, peaches, apricots, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, loganberries and fruit orchards are numerous and reach commercial size in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Niagara Peninsula of Ontario and Okanogan Valley of British Columbia.

Hazelnuts are harvested in Eastern Canada. Maple syrup and maple sugar, maple butter, and maple taffy are products of Quebec along the St. Lawrence River. The main market for Canadian maple syrup and sugar is the U.S.A. Potatoes are an abundant harvest of the Maritime Provinces. Tobacco is an agricultural commodity from the Ontario tobacco belt adjacent to Lake Erie and Quebec. Sugar beets and beet root sugar are harvested in Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta.

[edit] Viticulture

Viticulture refers to the growing of grapes. Grapes require a mild winter season, which can be found in some Maritime locations, southern British Columbia, and locations on the Niagara Peninsula. ^[20]

[edit] Livestock

115,000 cattle roamed the southern prairies by 1900. Livestock can include the raising of cows, also commonly called cattle. Recently domestication of the buffalo and elk has initiated a new food industry. Sheep have been raised for both wool and meat. Bovine or pig barns have been a part of livestock culture. Scientists have been making forward steps in swine research giving rise to intensive pig farming. The domestication of various farm animals meant that corresponding industries such as feedlots, animal husbandry and meat processing have also been studied, and developed.

[edit] Poultry and eggs

Fowl, Poultry, Eggs, Chickens, Geese, Ducks and Turkeys are all part of a supply-managed system, ensuring production matches demand. ^{[21] [22]}

[edit] Dairy

Dairy producing is also termed Dairy farming. ^[23] Butter production in Canada was on average 330,000,000 lb (150,000 t) in the 1940s; and cheese production between 95,000,000 lb and 208,000,000 lb (43,000 t to 94,000 t) in that same time. The United Kingdom received 50,000,000 lb (23,000 t) in 1949.^[24]

[edit] Fisheries

The Fishery industry is a primary income source on Canada's east and west coastal oceans as well as inland lands and rivers. Fisheries are the oldest main industry of Canada.^{[25] [26]}

[edit] Fiber

Hemp and wool from Sheep are the main areas of fiber production of the country of Canada. Wool production was on average 16,022,000 lb (7,267 t) in the 1930s and 9,835,000 lb (4,461 t) in 1949. ^[27] Fiber flax from flaxseed has been exported to the United Kingdom.

[edit] Organic farming

In recent years more and more farmers are producing alternative crops and ways of being economically viable, and are turning to organic farming.

[edit] Other

Many crop growers will supplement their income with beeswax and honey and learn beekeeping which is overseen by the apiary branch. See also bee and western honey bee. Enterprising land owners have had success growing as well as packaging and marketing the sunflower seed. Crops are not only for human consumption but also for animal consumption, which opens a new market such as canary seed. Very few farmers engage in cuniculture, or rabbit farming to any significant extent, although they are a new grocery alternative to the red meat burger.

[edit] Production

For more information on the agriculture in Canada production see also list of countries by agricultural output.

Farming activities were very labour intensive before the industrial revolution and the advent of tractors, combines, balers, etc. In the late 1800s to mid 1900s, a great percentage of the Canadian labour force was engaged in high labour, smaller farming practices. After mechanization, scientific advancement, improved marketing practices farms became more efficient, larger and less labour intensive. The labour population was freed up and went to industry, government, transportation, trade and finance. ^[28] Agriculture, stock raising and horticulture employed one-fourth of the Canadian population according to the 1951 census as well as providing products for exports and Canadian manufacturing concerns.

[edit] Trade

The marketing and economic movement of our various agriculture commodities has been a challenge. Domestic trade encompasses providing goods within Canada provincially and inter-provincial. Support agencies and services such as storage, railways, warehouses, stores, banking institutions all effect domestic trade. Trade of wheat from the 'Bread basket of the World' or Canada's prairies are monitored by the Canadian Wheat Board. Canada's depression of 1882-1897 brought a low of 64¼ cents per bushel ($24/t) as of 1893. This era during Laurier's administration saw thousands of homesteads cancelled. Wheat prices soared during World War I. In 1928, Canada exported high quantities of wheat, flour, and goods. The depression took its toll on Canada as exports sunk to approximately 40% of their 1928 amount. European markets stopped needing to import Canadian wheat as they started growing their own varieties, and then World War II events put a blockade on trade to European markets. Canada became more of an industrial entity during the time of this industrial revolution, and less of an agricultural nation. Following World War II the United Kingdom entered into contract for a large amount of agricultural commodities such as bacon, cheese, wheat, oats and barley. After the United Kingdom, the United Sates is our largest external trade partner. Between 1943 and 1953, the average export of Canadian wheat was 347,200,000 bushels (9,449,000 t). The three year International Wheat Agreement of 1955, included exports of wheat or flour to 28 of 44 importing countries including Germany, Japan, Belgium, UK, and the Netherlands.^[29][30]

[edit] Agriculture by province/territory

[edit] Newfoundland

A very small percentage of the land is suitable in Newfoundland for horticultural or crop production as there is a lot of forested and tundra geography. They do have some dairy production, and farming concerns. Following World War II, farm training was available at the Government Demonstration Farm. Bonuses wee paid for such things as the purchase of pure-bred sires, land clearing, and agriculture exhibition assistance to name a few. A much larger agricultural contribution would be fish processing. Newfoundland fisheries, supply cod for the most part, followed closely by herring, haddock, lobster, rose fish, seals, and whales. The fishing industry depends very heavily upon exports and world conditions.

[edit] Maritime Provinces

For more information on the Agriculture in Canada; Maritime Provinces see also the economic history of Canada's maritime fisheries.

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island primarily contribute dairy production, along with livestock and mixed farming ventures to the Canadian agricultural picture. A small percentage of land is put into use in fruit farming as well along Nova Scotia's North West coastal areas.

[edit] Atlantic Provinces

Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island have access to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Atlantic Ocean. Halibut, hake, salmon, haddock, mackerel, cod, herring, and lobster are a few of the main catches along the main fishing banks. The Atlantic fisheries account for over one-half the marketed value of fish from Canada. Cod is the predominant catch with lobsters the second in value to the Atlantic fisherman. Clams, quahogs, oysters, scallops, mussels, winkles and crabs are caught on a smaller scale. Sardines are immature herrings and provide considerable cash income. Shore fisheries off the coastal land, are carried about by the family fisherman. Deep-sea fishing is carried out in waters further out than 15 miles (28 km) from the coastline by teams of fishermen in schooners. Fisheries for the most part are the main agricultural concern followed by dairy products, brewing, and meat processing.

[edit] Quebec

The eastern province of Quebec agricultural sector relies heavily on its fruit and vegetable production. 1890 saw the beginning of a competition to encourage farmers to improve their farms to achieve the Agricultural Merit Order. County Farm Improvement Contests were begun about 1930 involving over 5,000 farms and their evolution over five years. They have some interests in livestock and mixed farming as well dairying as well. St. Hyacinthe operates an artificial insemination station in 1951 for breeders clubs.

[edit] Ontario

For more information on the Agriculture in Canada; Ontario province see also Ontario Agriculture

Northern Ontario is mainly tundra and forested area, whereas southern Ontario has lands suitable for livestock and general farming as well as geography suitable for pasture and dairying industries. Fruit farming and tobacco farms can also be found in Southern Ontario. Ontario is the largest producer of mixed grains, soybeans and shelled corn in the Dominion.

[edit] Prairie Provinces

See also: Crow Rate

The open parkland area extends across the three prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Canada's production of wheat, oats, flaxseed, and barley come mainly from this area. Meat processing is the largest industry here, followed by dairy production, breweries, and the subisidiary industry of agricultural implements.

[edit] Manitoba

Manitoba has a combination of mixed grain, livestock, and mixed farming industries in its southernmost areas. Cattle ranching around Lake Manitoba is also quite successful. Northern Manitoba is quite extensively lakes and forested geographical areas.

[edit] Saskatchewan

For more information on the Agriculture in Canada; Saskatchewan province see also Saskatchewan Agriculture

Saskatchewan still has cattle ranching along the southwestern corner of the province, However, grain farming and growing crops such as wheat, oats, flax, alfalfa, and rapeseed (especially canola) dominate the parkland area. Mixed grain farming, dairy farms, mixed livestock and grazing lands dot the central lowlands region of this prairie province.

[edit] Alberta

For more information on the Agriculture in Canada; Alberta province see also Alberta Agriculture and forestry

Alberta is renowned still for its stampedes, and cattle ranching is a main industry. Their agricultural industry is supplemented by livestock and mixed farming and wheat crops. Alberta is the second largest producer of wheat in Canada. Grain and dairying also play a role in the livelihoods of Alberta farmers.

[edit] British Columbia

The most westerly Canadian province, British Columbia, is covered in highlands as its eastern boundary is the Rocky Mountain Range. Livestock, cattle ranches, fruit farming and dairying dot the province however. Agriculture and fisheries are a small contribution to B.C. industry overshadowed by construction and forestry. British Columbia salmon along the Pacific Ocean coastline, at times surpasses fishery production in the east, but for the most part, the main Canadian fishing industry is a product of the Maritimes.

[edit] Northern Territorial Region

Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut are covered with the Canadian Shield, rocky outcrops, sub arctic forest soils, and stony phases make up most of the geography. It is an area of comparatively smaller population, and not commercially exploited for the most part. Whaling, prawns, and trapping contribute to the agricultural production here.

[edit] Farm equipment

The Oliver plow was in use by 1896 which could cut through the prairie sod. Binders which could cut and tie grain for the harvest season and grain elevators for storage were introduced in the late 1800s as well. ^[31] Plows {plough), tractors, spreaders, combines to name a few are some mechanized implements for the grain crop or horticultural farmer which are labour saving devices. Many Canadian museums such as Reynolds-Alberta Museum will showcase the evolution and variety of farm machinery.

[edit] Future challenges

[edit] Drought

The depression and drought of the Dirty Thirties was devastating. Prior to this decade, droughts were cyclical in nature, but did not last over many years as in the 1930s. This drought resulted in a mass exodus of population from the prairies, as well as new agricultural practices such as soil conservation, and crop rotation for a few.

[edit] Soil conservation and reclamation

Soil conservation practices such as crop rotation, cover crops, and windbreaks to name a few were massively developed and set in forth upon recovering from the drought experiences of the dirty thirties. Literally layers and layers of topsoil would be blowing away during this time. Bow River Irrigation Project, Red Deer River Project and the St. Mary Irrigation project of Alberta, were a few of the major projects undertaken by the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act (P.F.R.A.) resulting in many reservoirs, and distribution systems.

[edit] Disease and pests

Wheat diseases such as wheat bunt and stinking smut can be successfully treated with a fungicide. Disease of plants and animals can break an agricultural producer. Tuberculosis in animals was an early threat, and cattle needed to be tested, and areas accredited in 1956. The newer disease such as chronic wasting disease or transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) affects both elk and deer. Elk and deer raising is a pioneer field of domestication, has had a setback with this disease.^[32] Mad cow disease in cattle ^[33] and scrapie of sheep ^[34] are monitored by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The poultry sector was plagued by Pullorum disease, and by controlling the flock via poultry husbandry, this disease has been brought under control.

[edit] Genetically modified crops/animals

Plants whose traits can be modified to survive a disease or insect have made inroads into Canadian agricultural practices. Cereal rusts which can destroy the majority of acreages seeded to wheat, was controlled in 1938 by breeding strains which were rust-resistant. This strain was successful until around 1950, when again a new strain of rust broke out, and again a new strain called Selkirk was developed which was rust resistant. ^[35] Biotechnology is the center of new research and regulations affecting agriculture this century. ^[36]

[edit] Canadian agricultural government departments

The Department of Agriculture set out in the British North America Act (B.N.A.) of 1867 states each province may have jurisdiction over agricultural concerns, as well as the Dominion Government may also make law in regards to agriculture. Newfoundland agricultural affairs were dealt with by the Agricultural Division of the Department of Natural Resources at confederation.

The B.N.A. act states that the Dominion Government has sole authority in coastal and inland fishery matters. Provinces have rights over non-tidal waters and fishing practices there only.

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and is headed by the Minister of Agriculture (Canada)
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre
• Canadian Dairy Commission
• Canadian Grain Commission
• Agricultural policy
• Department_of_Fisheries_and_Oceans

[edit] Developmental and Educational Institutions

• Ontario Horticultural Association
• Devonian Botanical Garden
• Nova Scotia Agricultural College
• List of botanical gardens in Canada
• Central Experimental Farm
• Fisheries Centre
• Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization

[edit] Research

• Agricultural science
• Agricultural engineering
• Agricultural soil science
• Agronomy
• biodiversity
• Bioengineering
• Irrigation
• Swine Research
• Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration

[edit] Industry categories

According to Agriculture and Food Canada, there are a number of fact sheets available about the Canadian Agriculture Industry. ^[37] A few of these are:

• 8rewery Industry
• Buckwheat Industry
• Canary Seed Industry
• Confectionery and Chewing Gum Industry
• Dairy Industry
• Dairy Genetics Industry
• Distillery Industry
• Egg Industry
• Fish and Seafood Industry
• Forage Industry
• Fruit Industry
• Grains and Oilseeds Industry
• Grain-Based Products Industry
• Hemp Industry
• Honey Industry
• Maple Syrup Industry
• Mustard Seed Industry
• Organic Industry
• Potato Industry
• Poultry Industry
• Processed Fruit and Vegetable Industry
• Pulse Industry
• Red Meat Industry
• Seed Industry
• Snack Food Industry
• Sunflower Seed Industry
• Vegetable Industry
• Wine Industry

[edit] Canadian industries

Some agricultural related companies of Canada are Cargill Ltd., Agricore United. Many individual farmers have been able to sustain the agricultural industry via the efforts by the Farm Credit Canada agency. See also Agriculture companies of Canada.

[edit] See also

• Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food (Canada)

[edit] References

[edit] Books

• (1977) in Pleva, E.G. and Inch, Spencer: Canadian Oxford School Atlas. The Bryant Press Limited. 

• (1959) in Hardy, W.G.: From Sea unto Sea. Doubleday & Company, Inc.. 

• (1945) in Hutchison, Bruce: The Unknown Country. Longmans, Green & Co., Toronto. 

• (1982) in Daly, Ronald C.: The Macmillan School Atlas. Gage Educational Publishing Company A Division of Canada Publishing Corporation. 

• (1951) in Cloutier, Edmond: The Canada Year Book 1951 The Official Statistical Annual of the Resources, History, Institutions, and Social and Economic Conditions of Canada. King's Printer and Controller of Stationery. 

• (1956) in Cloutier, Edmond: Canada 1956 The Official Handbook of Present Conditions and Recent Progress. Queen's Printer and Controller of Stationery, Ottawa.. 

• (1959) in Kerr, D.G.G.: A Historical Atlas of Canada. Thomas Nelson and Sons (Canada) Ltd.. 

• (1949) in Dorland, Arthur G.: Our Canada. The Copp Clark Publishing Co, Limited. 

[edit] External links

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada / Agriculture et Agroalimentaire

v • d • e       Topics in Canada
History	Timeline: New France (to 1764) · Under British Control (1764-1867) · Post-Confederation (1867-1914) · World Wars and Interwar Years (1914-1945) · 1945-1960 · 1960-1981 · 1982-1992 · 1992-Present Topics: Military history · Economic history · Constitutional history · Current Events
Politics	Constitution · The Crown · Governor General · Parliament (Senate - House of Commons) · Prime Minister · Elections · Courts (Supreme Court) · Military
Geography	Areas: Coast Mountains · Rockies · Prairies · Western Canada · Northern Canada · Canadian Shield · Great Lakes · Central Canada · St. Lawrence River · Appalachian Mountains · Atlantic Canada · Maritimes Topics: Animals · Cities · Extreme communities · Islands · National parks · Plants · Regions · Rivers
Economy	Agriculture · Banking · Bank of Canada · Canadian dollar · Companies · Health care · Stock Exchange · Taxation · Transportation
Demographics	Immigration · Languages · Religion · Top 100 cities · 2001 Census · 2006 Census
Culture	Architecture · Art · Cinema · Famous Canadians · Holidays · Identity · Literature · Music (Blues - Celtic - Classical - Hip hop - Rock) · Nationalism · Protection of · Sport · Theatre
Symbols	Coat of Arms · Flags · National Flag · Provincial and territorial · Royal symbols