Chapter 24 The 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.Climate 2.Soils 3.Biology 4.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