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Ontario is home to the largest population of any Canadian province and has the second largest land area making it a major contributor to Canadian Agriculture. Ontario has the most farms in the country having over 25% percent of Canadian farms. As a result, the Ontario Ag industry is very diverse, leading in production for many kinds of crops and livestock production.
Where is there farming in Ontario?
South Eastern Ontario: The heart of Ontario’s agricultural activity lies in the southern region of the province, from the U.S. border northward to areas surrounding the Great Lakes, and extending as far north as the 44th parallel. Northern Ontario, on the other hand, is characterized by its many lakes, forested areas and mountain ranges making it unsuitable for agriculture.
What are the primary field crops grown in Ontario?
Grains and Oilseeds: Ontario’s agricultural landscape is dominated by field crops such as corn and soybeans, with corn being the most extensively cultivated grain crop. Soybeans also hold a significant portion of agricultural land in the province. Ontario grows the most corn and soybeans of any province accounting for roughly 60% of all production in Canada.
Wheat: Ontario is a major producer of wheat, particularly soft red winter wheat, which is used primarily for flour production. Other cereals like spring wheat, rye, oats, barley are also cultivated across the province.
Specialty Crops: Ontario’s diverse agricultural sector includes specialty crops such as canola, flax, beans and lentils, which contribute to the province’s agricultural diversity and economic strength. Forage production including hay, feed corn, and alfalfa make up approximately 10% of Ontario’s agricultural output.
Horticulture in Ontario
Vegetables: Ontario boasts a thriving vegetable industry, with a variety of crops including tomatoes, peppers, onions, carrots, and cucumbers being cultivated throughout the province. Both field production and greenhouse cultivation contribute significantly to Ontario’s vegetable output.
Fruits: The province is renowned for its fruit production, particularly apples, strawberries, blueberries, melons and grapes. Orchards and vineyards are widespread, especially in the Niagara Peninsula and the regions surrounding the Great Lakes.
Greenhouse Production: Ontario’s greenhouse industry is a key player in the province’s agricultural economy, producing a wide range of vegetables, flowers, and herbs year-round.
What Types of Livestock Farming are there in Ontario?
Dairy: Ontario is a major player in Canada’s dairy industry, boasting a large number of dairy farms and producing a third of the country’s milk and dairy products.
Hogs: There are just under 2000 hog and pig farms in Ontario accounting for 40% of Canadian farms only trailing the province of Quebec in production.
Poultry and Eggs: The province has a thriving poultry sector, with chicken and turkey being the primary products. Egg production is also a significant component of Ontario’s agricultural output.
Beef and Veal: Ontario’s beef and veal industry is substantial, with ranches and feedlots spread throughout the province. Ontario ranks among the top provinces in Canada for beef and veal production.
Sheep and Goats: While not as large as some other sectors, Ontario’s sheep and goat industry is steadily growing, with producers specializing in both meat and wool production.
Honey: Ontario is the forth largest producer of honey in Canada, with beekeeping operations scattered across the province.
Common Agricultural Jobs in Ontario:
- Farm Worker
- Crop Technician
- Livestock Supervisor
- Agricultural Equipment Operator
- Irrigation Specialist
- Dairy Herdsman/Herder
- Greenhouse Technician
- Poultry Farm Attendant
- Agricultural Mechanic
- Agronomist
Ontario’s agriculture sector provides employment opportunities for thousands of individuals engaged in various farming activities, particularly in the southern regions of the province, making it a great destination for those seeking employment in the agricultural field.