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New Brunswick, while small compared to other provinces in Canada, is the third largest Maritime province stretching 73,440 square kilometres in total size. Approximately 26% of total land in the province is suitable as farmland. New Brunswick’s agricultural sector is well known for its production of potatoes with it being the main crop grown in the province followed by dairy products, eggs and poultry. Apples, cranberries blueberries make up a smaller amount of production and field crops are also grown mostly for forage.
Where is farming in New Brunswick?
The agricultural heartland of New Brunswick generally lies in the the Saint John River Valley following the St. John river from the Bay of Fundy to the border of Maine in the northwest corner of the province. Apple orchards and small farms can also be found east of Grand Lake in Sackville county, in the south-eastern region and along the Acadian Coast from the Moncton area, northward toward Bathhurst and into the Acadian Peninsula.
What are the primary field crops grown in New Brunswick?
Potatoes: New Brunswick’s agricultural production is centered around potatoes. Potatoes are a staple crop, with New Brunswick being one of Canada’s leading producers.
Fruits: The province is known for its fruit production, particularly apples and wild blueberries. Orchards are scattered throughout the province, especially in regions such as the Saint John River Valley and the Acadian Peninsula.
Cereals and Oilseeds: Field crops in New Brunswick consist barely, wheat, oats and forages and make up a small percentage of production in province. Grain corn, soybean, and canola are also grown in small quantities.
Horticulture in New Brunswick
Vegetables: New Brunswick has a thriving vegetable industry, with crops like carrots, onions, and sweet corn being cultivated across the province. Both field production and greenhouse cultivation play roles in the province’s vegetable output.
Greenhouse Production: New Brunswick’s greenhouse industry is growing steadily, producing a variety of vegetables, fruits, and flowers year-round to meet local demand.
What Types of Livestock Farming are there in New Brunswick?
Dairy: New Brunswick is a significant player in Canada’s dairy industry, with dairy farms spread across the province. These farms contribute to the production of milk and dairy products, meeting the demand of both local and national markets.
Poultry and Eggs: New Brunswick has a thriving poultry sector, with chicken and turkey being the primary products. Egg production is also a significant component of the province’s agricultural output.
Goat, Sheep, Swine: New Brunswick produces a smaller amount of goat, sheep and hogs in comparison to other provinces.
Mink and Silver Fox: Fur farming is a small niche industry in New Brunswick. The silver fox is a melanistic form of the red fox. They have black fur with a silvery sheen and are highly valued for their pelts. Over 2,000 silver foxes and approximately 54,000 mink are raised annually in New Brunswick. The mink industry in New Brunswick lags behind other Maritime provinces in production but still participates in fur farming.
Common Agricultural Jobs in New Brunswick
- Crop Production Manager
- Dairy Herdsperson
- Farm Equipment Operator
- Greenhouse Technician
- Aquaculture Technician
- Farm Labourer
- Agricultural Technician
- Beekeeper
- Poultry Farm Worker
New Brunswick’s agricultural sector provides employment opportunities over 11,000 workers engaged in varied farming activities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking employment in a scenic, coastal province.