Wikipedia

Agriculture in Saskatchewan

Agriculture in Saskatchewan is the production of various food, feed, or fiber commodities to fulfill domestic and international human and animal sustenance needs. The newest agricultural economy to be developed in renewable biofuel production or agricultural biomass which is marketed as ethanol or biodiesel.[1] Plant cultivation and livestock production have abandoned subsistence agricultural practices in favor of intensive technological farming resulting in cash crops which contribute to the economy of Saskatchewan. The particular commodity produced is dependent upon its particular biogeography or ecozone of Geography of Saskatchewan. Agricultural techniques and activities have evolved over the years. The first nation nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle and the early immigrant 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.[2] Challenges to the future of Saskatchewan agriculture include developing sustainable water management strategies for a cyclical drought prone climate in south western Saskatchewan, 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.

Grain field in the aspen parkland near Saskatoon
Qu'Appelle Valley near Cutarm, Sask., circa 1910
Horse-drawn grain and fertilizer drill

Canada's production of wheat, oats, flaxseed, and barley come mainly from Saskatchewan and the prairie provinces. Meat processing is the largest industry here, followed by dairy production, breweries, and the subsidiary industry of agricultural implements.[3] 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.[4][5]

History of agriculture in Saskatchewan edit

 
Buffalo Jump

First Nations inhabitants of Saskatchewan were the first to process plants and animals to produce food. Agriculture in Saskatchewan began with First Nations tribal practices where the men would follow livestock movements, a form of transhumance and women and children would remain at home carrying out a hunting and gathering lifestyle. 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.

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.[6] 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. But the history of farming for First Nations was a very different story than those of the colonizers.[7][8][9] Rural sociology developed with a Saskatchewan 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. Upon arrival of immigrants to Saskatchewan at the end of the 19th century and beginning of 20th century, plant cultivation combined with pastoralism or ranching began. One major difference in the perspective of agriculture between the 19th and 20th 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. Farming methods were developed at places such as Indian Head Experimental Farm,[10] Rosthern Experimental Station,[11] and Bell Farm.[12] The Better Farming Train traveled around rural areas educating pioneer farmers.[13] 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 Dominion Land Act of 1872 offered pioneers an opportunity to prove up a quarter section of land (one hundred and sixty acres, a quarter square mile, 64 hectares). in Western Canada for a $10.00 filing fee.[14] 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.

Farm equipment edit

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 19th century as well.[15] Plows, tractors, spreaders, combines to name a few are some mechanized implements for the grain crop or horticultural farmer which are labor saving devices. Many Canadian museums such as Saskatchewan Western Development Museum will showcase the evolution and variety of farm machinery.

 
Harvest of Wheat via combine

Cereal Crops edit

Wild Rice edit

Saskatchewan produces the most Wild Rice in Canada. Wild rice can be found growing in the wild here. In 1998 there were around 200 producers "and over half of those have treaty status and produce from First Nations-designated land. Between 75-80% of all Saskatchewan producers are of Aboriginal ancestry."[16] Watch small Sask. producers harvest some of the world's finest wild rice.

Wheat edit

 
Doukhobor women winnowing grain, Saskatchewan, 1899
 
Wheat head close up view

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.[17] 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 wheat 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 hardier wheat than other spring wheat. Dr. Charles E. 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.[18]

The Orange Wheat Blossom Midge (Sitodiplosis mosellana) is a major drag on wheat productivity in North America, and nowhere moreso than in the west of Canada, especially here and in Manitoba.[19][20] In the particular conditions of this province, even population densities of one larva per kernel is enough to reduce yield and cause quality problems.[19] Although originally from Europe, and upon first introduction to NA primarily a pest of the coasts, for reasons unknown S. mosellana largely disappeared from the east coast around 1925 and became more severe in this province and areas nearby.[19] Even more severe epidemics began in 1983 on the border with Manitoba, near the northernmost point of profitable wheat farming.[19] 1983 was a year of unusually high summer rain and this is believed to be the reason.[19]

Barley edit

Barley is a major crop of Saskatchewan supplying the malt industry with their primary ingredient.[21]

Oats edit

Oats show Agricultural productivity in Saskatchewan for livestock feed as well as for the cereal industry.[22]

Rye edit

Saskatchewan produces the most rye in Canada, but the number of rye producers in the province are small compared to other agricultural concerns. Rye can be a spring and fall crop, because of its fast growing nature.[23]

Triticale edit

Triticale is a manmade crop for growing in tolerate drought prone areas. It was produced by breeding together both wheat and rye and is used for animal feed.[24][25]

Pulse Crops edit

With intervention of man made irrigation, the soil is suitable for harvesting beans, chickpeas, lentils and peas. For instance near Lake Diefenbaker dry beans are produced.[26] There are two types of chickpeas grown in Saskatchewan, both kabuli and desi. They prefer the brown soil region, and the dark brown soil regions respectively.[27] Another type of pulse crop is lentil. Both red and green lentils are grown in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan is the world's largest exporter of lentils, exporting 67% per cent of the world lentils.[28] Finally several pea varieties are harvested in Saskatchewan. Pulse crops provide diversification in crop production, provide farm revenue to farmers, and lengthen crop rotation.

Oilseeds edit

Canola, flax, sunflower, and yellow, brown, and oriental mustard . Since the 1970s research has developed oilseed crops and the industry has flourished in the province. Sunflower plants are harvested for the sunflower seed, sunflower oil and birdseed industries.[29][30][31]

Horticulture edit

Horticulture which includes garden crops, and fruits became easier to grow with the development of plant hardiness zones.[32] In Saskatchewan, the main horticultural products would be potatoes (for seed and commercial sale), small fruits, vegetables, fresh and dried flowers greenhouse production, sod operations, and nursery operations.[33]

Livestock edit

In Saskatchewan, the main livestock industries would be (in this order) beef, pork, bison, sheep and goats. Some newer industries have experimented with the agricultural productivity of llama, alpaca, ostrich, rhea, emu, wild boar, deer, and elk. 115,000 cattle roamed the southern prairies by 1900. Livestock can include the raising of cattle. Recently domestication of the buffalo[34] and elk[35] has initiated a new food industry. Sheep have been raised for both wool and meat.[36] Bovine or pig barns have been a part of livestock culture.[37] 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.

Poultry and eggs edit

Fowl, poultry, eggs, chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys are part of a supply-managed system, ensuring production matches demand.[38][39]

Dairy edit

Dairy producing is also termed dairy farming. This includes the production of cheeses, milk, yogurts, sour cream, buttermilk, butter and other milk products.

Fisheries edit

The fishery industry is an income source on inland lands and rivers. Near Gravelbourg is a shrimp processing plant on Canada's second largest saline lake.[40]

Organic farming edit

In recent years more and more farmers are producing alternative crops and ways of being economically viable, and are turning to organic farming. Therefore, research focuses on pesticide free production, insect management, fertility, weed management, disease management, and soil conservation.[41]

Other edit

 
Honeybee

Many crop growers will supplement their incomes with beeswax and honey and learn beekeeping. New markets are being looked into 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.

Production edit

Farming activities were very labor-intensive before the industrial revolution and the advent of tractors, combines, balers, etc. In the late 19th century to mid-20th century, a great percentage of the Saskatchewan labor force was engaged in high labor, smaller farming practices. After mechanization, scientific advancement, improved marketing practices so farms became more efficient, larger and less labor-intensive. The labor population was freed up and went to industry, government, transportation, trade and finance.[42][43] All agricultural producers must maintain food safety and comply with regulations, inspections and government monitoring.

Any type of plant production involves consideration of;

  • Seeding
  • Fertilizer/Nutrients
  • Insects
  • Weeds
  • Disease
  • Irrigation
  • Harvesting
  • Storage

Livestock producer concerns would be:

  • Animal Health
  • Feeds/Nutrition
  • Predators/Pests
  • Handling

[44]

Trade edit

See also: Agriculture in Canada § Trade

Saskatchewan Wheat Pool edit

The Saskatchewan Wheat Pool has a network of marketing alliances in North America and internationally which has made it the largest agricultural grain handling operation in the province of Saskatchewan.

Future challenges edit

 
Agriculture Agri-Food Canada Saskatoon Research Centre on Campus

Drought edit

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.[45]

Soil conservation and reclamation edit

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.

Disease and pests edit

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.[46] Mad cow disease in cattle[47] and scrapie of sheep[48] 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.

Genetically modified crops/animals edit

Plants whose traits can be modified to survive a disease or insect have made inroads into Saskatchewan agricultural practices. Cereal rusts which can destroy the majority of areas 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.[49] Biotechnology is the center of new research and regulations affecting agriculture this century.[50][51]

Notable people edit

Notable people who have contributed highly to the development the agricultural industry in Saskatchewan have been inducted into the agricultural hall of fame.

Symbols of Saskatchewan edit

The Coat of arms of Saskatchewan features three gold sheaves of wheat, or garbs, represent the province's agriculture; the heraldic sheaf of wheat has become a generalized symbol of the province. The gold lower half of the Flag of Saskatchewan symbolizes the southern, prairie wheat-fields. The provincial symbol is a sheaf of wheat and is generally used to identify government programs and organizations.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2006). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food - A Natural for Biofuels Production". Archived from the original on June 18, 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  2. ^ "Agriculture Statistics Canada". Government of Canada. Statistics Canada. Archived from the original on April 2, 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  3. ^ "History of Agriculture in the Prairie Provinces". Archives of the Agricultural Experience. University of Manitoba Archives Special Collections, the Libraries. 1998. Archived from the original on 30 March 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  4. ^ "Saskatchewan Agricultural Hall of Fame". zu.com communications inc. 2006. Archived from the original on 4 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  5. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (May 20, 2007). "AGRICULTURE WEEK IN SASKATCHEWAN PROCLAIMED - Government of Saskatchewan -News Release - March 13, 1996". Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  6. ^ Saskatchewan Gen Web Project - SGW - First Nations Saskatchewan Genealogy Roots URL accessed November 28, 2006
  7. ^ Bateman, Rebecca. "Talking with the plow: Agricultural policy and Indian farming in the Canadian and US prairies" (PDF). The Canadian Journal of Native Studies. 16[2]: 217–218.
  8. ^ Carter, Sarah (1980). Lost harvests: Prairie Indian reserve farmers and government policy. McGill-Queen's University Press. ISBN 0773507558.
  9. ^ Bednasek, C Drew (2009). Aboriginal and Colonial Geographies of the File Hills Farm Colony: A thesis submitted to the Department of Geography in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PDF). Kingston, Ontario: Queen's University.
  10. ^ Smith, Allan E. "The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan Agriculture Canada Research Stations". Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan. CANADIAN PLAINS RESEARCH CENTER, UNIVERSITY OF REGINA. Archived from the original on 1 May 2007. Retrieved 11 April 2007.
  11. ^ JONES, STEPHEN MORGAN. "Canadian Encyclopedia". Research Stations, Agricultural. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
  12. ^ Hawkes, John (June 15, 2005). "Saskatchewan Gen Web Project - SASKATCHEWAN AND ITS PEOPLE by JOHN HAWKES". Bell Farm. Julia Adamson Rootsweb.com. Archived from the original on 14 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-11.
  13. ^ Hawkes, John (June 15, 2005). "SASKATCHEWAN AND ITS PEOPLE". Saskatchewan Gen Web Project Vol I 1924. Retrieved 2007-04-11.[] URL accessed November 28, 2006
  14. ^ Adamson, Julia (March 25, 2007). "Saskatchewan Gen Web Project - Homestead Information". rootsweb. Retrieved 2007-04-07.
  15. ^ Grain Harvesting Archived December 12, 2009, at the Wayback Machine URL accessed November 30, 2006
  16. ^ Paquette, Donna Rae (1998). "Wild rice growers compete in big business". Saskatchewan Sage. Vol. 2, no. 11.
  17. ^ 1926 Highway Map: Province of Saskatchewan URL accessed November 29, 2006
  18. ^ Symko, Stephan; ©Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada (2003-08-27). From a single seed Tracing the Marquis wheat success story in Canada to its roots in the Ukraine. Research Branch Agriculture and Agri Food Canada. ISBN 0-662-28145-4. Archived from the original on 2005-11-04. Retrieved 2007-04-10. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  19. ^ a b c d e
  20. ^ "Sitodiplosis mosellana (orange wheat blossom midge)". CABI (Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International). 2021-11-17. Retrieved 2022-06-26.
  21. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Barley". Archived from the original on 2015-08-02. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  22. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Oats". Archived from the original on 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  23. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Rye". Archived from the original on 2012-07-15. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  24. ^ Government of Alberta. "Triticale". Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  25. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Triticale". Archived from the original on 2012-07-15. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  26. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2006). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Bean". Archived from the original on 2007-01-23. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  27. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Chickpea". Archived from the original on 2014-12-28. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  28. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Lentil". Archived from the original on 2014-12-28. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  29. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Canola". Archived from the original on 2012-07-15. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  30. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food -Mustard". Archived from the original on 2015-07-09. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  31. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food -Sunflower". Archived from the original on 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  32. ^ Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Plant Hardiness Zones in Canada URL accessed November 28, 2006
  33. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2015). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Fruit". Archived from the original on 2012-07-15. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  34. ^ Torsten, Bernhardt. "Canadian Biodiversity: Wood bison". Wood bison. Redpath Museum, McGill University. Archived from the original on August 18, 2006. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  35. ^ Thorleifson, Ian (2003-07-24). "Elk on a beef farm". Deerfarmer. Archived from the original on 5 April 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  36. ^ "Canadian Sheep Breeders' Association". © 2007 BC Sheep Federation. 2007-01-29.
  37. ^ [BLAIR, R. "Pig Farming". © 2007 Historica Foundation of Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2007-04-10.
  38. ^ CFA - Canadian Federation of Agriculture - Commodities Archived April 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine URL accessed April 6, 2007
  39. ^ Poultry Marketplace - Poultry at a glance URL referenced November 28, 2006
  40. ^ Highway 58
  41. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2006). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food - Organics". Archived from the original on 2014-12-21. Retrieved 2015-01-13.
  42. ^ Tables by subject Agriculture Statistics Canada Archived December 1, 2006, at the Wayback Machine URL referenced November 28, 2006
  43. ^ Ronald C. Daly ; maps and illustrations by John R. Waller. (1951). Cloutier, Edmond (ed.). 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. ISBN 0-7715-8268-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  44. ^ Government of Saskatchewan (2006). "Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food -Production". Archived from the original on 2007-06-26. Retrieved 2007-05-20.
  45. ^ "Drought Watch web site". Government of Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration. 2002-02-03.
  46. ^ Chronic Wasting Disease Archived December 16, 2006, at the Wayback Machine URL accessed November 28, 2006
  47. ^ Canadian Food Inspection Agency. "Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE in North America". Archived from the original on 5 December 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-28.
  48. ^ Canadian Food Inspection Agency Animal Health Scrapies Manual of Procedures Module 1 and 2 Archived September 7, 2006, at the Wayback Machine URL accessed November 28, 2006
  49. ^ Genetically modified crops: steady growth in Ontario and Quebec[permanent dead link] URL accessed November 28, 2006
  50. ^ Canadian Food Inspection Agency Science Branch Office of Biotechnology Archived October 18, 2006, at the Wayback Machine URL accessed November 28, 2006
  51. ^ "New crops for Canadian agriculture". Small, Ernest 1999. p. 15–52. In: J. Janick (ed.), Perspectives on new crops and new uses. ASHS Press, Alexandria, VA.
  52. ^ "Virtual Saskatchewan - Wizard o' Wheat". 1997-07-20. Retrieved 2007-05-01.

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