Chapter 24The Business of Farming

In Canada we are lucky in that we do not think about Food – We take it for granted.

Agriculture depends on 4 Natural Interactions:

1.Climate2.Soils3.Biology4.Topography

Climate: Two variables are looked at.

1. Solar Energy (Heat) – Canada cannot grow Bananas (outside at least) – Why?

Growing Degree Days (GDD) – Number of degrees the temperature exceeds 6 degrees.EG: If the average temperature on May 3 was 14 – then it would contribute 8 growing degree days (14-6=8). In the Toronto area we get on average 2200 growing degree days each year.

Once a farmer knows this he can determine what crops he/she may wish to grow. A farmer can also determine how to apply Fertilizer, Herbicide and Pesticide to his land by knowing the number of growing degree days.

Growing Season – average number of days the temperature stays above 6 degrees

Frost-Free Period – the number of days between the last frost in the spring and the first in the autumn.

2. Moisture – Precipitation and Evapotranspiration

Soil:Remember – Humus, mineral matter, water and air. Remember Calcified and Leached soils. Soil preparation is key.

Biology: Careful of insects and weeds, worms are good and so are bees

Topography: Ideally you want level, well drained land – Fertile Valleys and Deltas are best.

Correcting Deficiencies

Few areas in Canada have a perfect combination of rich soil, level land, good biological conditions, sufficient moisture, and a long growing season. Below are some Deficiencies – let’s try to Adjust for them.

1.Growing Season too short or too cool

2. Insufficient Moisture

3. Infertile Soil

4.Hilly Terrain

5. Low-lying, wet terrain

6.Shortage of beneficial insects

7.Excess of harmful insects

8.Excess of Weeds

What is the conditions are not right for Farming – Correcting Deficiencies

The Importance of Agriculture to Canada

Land: The Basic Resource

The Changing Farm:

Types of Farming:

Issues facing the modern day Canadian Farmer