Ontario Agriculture

The network for agriculture in Ontario, Canada

Careers in Agriculture Are NOT Attractive to most consumers. Will this hurt our ability to hire non farm employees?

Careers In Agriculture Are Rewarding, Says FCC

Recent FCC survey results about potential careers in agriculture paint a challenging picture of the industry.

Canadian consumers who took the survey chose “weather-dependent,” “struggling,” “under-recognized,” “underpaid” and “essential” when asked to choose the top five words from a list associated with the agriculture industry. Producers surveyed chose nearly identical words.

“It’s obvious that both farmers and consumers recognize that there are challenges associated with agriculture,” says FCC President and CEO Greg Stewart. “It’s surprising that the words chosen did not focus on opportunities. There are so many success stories in agriculture and related industries that counter this perception.”

At the same time, a national FCC Vision Panel survey showed that optimism among producers remains high. Results show that 80% of producers would recommend a career in agriculture to a family member or friend. On the other hand, only 21% of consumers would consider a career in agriculture, and 27% would encourage someone else to pursue it. Although farmers recognize the challenges inherent in the industry, they still would encourage others to get involved in it.

From growing crops to processing and exporting, agriculture includes areas such as food, technology, health, energy and the environment, and employs one in eight Canadians.

“Agriculture matters. It’s a major Canadian industry and a noble career option,” says Stewart. “It’s amazing to know you’re part of something big. Right here in Canada, producers positively affect people on the other side of the world. We hear that from customers every day. We need to share this information with consumers and young people who are making important career choices.”

FCC is deeply committed to the success of Canadian agriculture and is working to educate the public about its potential and possibilities.

Source: Farm Credit Canada

Click Here to Review the Project Research Data

Views: 199

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joe Dales on September 22, 2011 at 9:41am

Check out the data slides on the link.

I am very concerned about Agriculture's ability to attract smart employees in the future when there are so few farm kids left.

Does anyone else have an opinion.

Joe Dales

Permalink Reply by Carolyn Lee on September 23, 2011 at 3:20am

I agree, I think it is very interesting how there is a high unemployment rate, especially in the US, and yet some companies/farms are having a hard time finding employees. It just means that there are not enough people taking agriculture programs in college and university. We need to find a way to encourage young people to consider all of these diverse opportunities!

Carolyn Lee

Permalink Reply by Kevin Stewart on September 24, 2011 at 5:38am

Here is video on this topic we covered a few years ago.

 

▶ Reply to Discussion

RSS

Agriculture Headlines from Farms.com Canada East News - click on title for full story

Investing in Alberta’s future vets

A new program funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will encourage veterinary students to work and stay in rural Alberta. The two-year, $250,000 Veterinary Student Recruitment and Retention Pilot Grant Program is aimed at enticing rural practices to hire summer veterinary students and encouraging students to continue their careers in those communities. The program focuses on practices that provide livestock veterinary services and have a current or anticipated veterinarian vacancy. Albertans need vets they can rely on in all corners of the province. The demand is especially high in rural communities, where veterinary access is essential to livestock producers’ livelihoods. Rural vet clinics can apply now for the pilot grant program. Eligible clinics will receive up to $10,000 as a wage incentive, for one veterinary student who works at the clinic between May 1 and August 31. Applications for 2027 will open next year.

Province Celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer

The Government of Saskatchewan celebrates International Year of the Woman farmer and the women whose leadership, innovation and hard work continue to strengthen the province's agriculture sector. "Women have helped shape every part of our agriculture sector, strengthening both our economy and our communities," Agriculture Minister David Marit said. "From farming and ranching operations to research labs and processing facilities, their leadership across the value chain is driving the innovation that continues to keep Saskatchewan at the forefront of Canadian agriculture." Saskatchewan is home to more than 34,000 farms, most of them family owned, many of them operated by husband-and-wife partnerships, and a growing number run by women. The province has an active network of female agriculture professionals who strive to connect and encourage women in the industry and serve on various industry association boards and committees. One such network is Saskatchewan Women in Ag. "Saskatche

Youth Recognized for Creating Sustainable Solutions Through AgriFood Challenge

4-H youth across Canada are proving they have what it takes to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our planet. Through the AgriFood Challenge, a national initiative delivered by 4-H Canada in partnership with Syngenta Canada, 4-H members developed actionable solutions to support sustainable agriculture and food security in each of their communities.  From building bee hotels to growing and donating fresh produce to food banks and community organizations, 4-H members turned ideas into action. Youth also taught others how to grow, cook, preserve, and waste less food. Through creative soil health experiments, food rescue advocacy, and community education, these projects show how young people are connecting agriculture, sustainability, and community care in practical, meaningful ways.  “This is a testament to the skills and talents of 4-H'ers. When given the chance to be innovative, they can solve difficult problems” said Christina Franc, CEO of 4-H Canada. “The projects submitted t

More ag superstitions for Friday the 13th

Beef and dairy producers appear to be surrounded by weather forecasters

Map: February Precipitation Reduces Prairie Dryness, Drought

February brought notable dryness and drought relief across the Prairies, although localized areas continue to suffer. The latest monthly update of the Canadian Drought Monitor shows 47% of Prairie agricultural lands were being impacted by abnormal dryness or some form of drought as of the end of last month. That is down from 62% in both January and December, and 71% in November. Most of the Prairie Region experienced above-normal precipitation during February, with large portions of the region receiving 115% to more than 200% of normal. In contrast, southern Alberta and parts of southwestern Saskatchewan remained comparatively dry, with precipitation totals below 85% of normal and localized pockets receiving less than 60%. Snow cover was initially reduced during early February due to warm, dry conditions, but late-month winter storms increased snowfall across much of the region, bringing totals back to near or above normal in many areas. Although winter precipitation through the

© 2026   Created by Darren Marsland.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service