Debunking common Canadian farm myths and assumptions 

The travel costs to attend the farm tour were sponsored by: Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan 

As a foodie and dietitian, I have a keen interest in the origins of our food. Thanks to Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan and Canadian Food Focus, I had the opportunity to visit several farms, delving deeper into this essential connection that sustains us all. During the two-day tours, I engaged with knowledgeable farmers and expert speakers who provided valuable insights and helped debunk some common myths surrounding food production. 

Let’s address the top 5 myths about Canadian Farms and learn some interesting farm facts gained from the farm tour! 

Myth 2: Canadian farmers emphasize profits over animal welfare, compromising care standards. 

Fact: Canadian farmers adhere to strict animal welfare regulations and prioritize the well-being of their livestock to ensure health and sustainable farming practices. 

Healthy livestock play a crucial role in maintaining a stable food supply chain and promoting sustainable farming practices. To uphold product quality and mitigate disease risk, farmers employ various measures to ensure animal welfare; these include providing optimal living conditions, collaborating with animal nutritionists for balanced diets and consulting with veterinarians and administer medications only when necessary. 

For instance, during our visit to the Nienhuis family dairy farm, where they milk 110 cows, we observed their commitment to keeping the animals cool, clean and comfortable, especially during the hottest weeks of summer. Farmers also prioritize animal welfare by adopting practices that minimize disease transmission such as virtual tours like the  Broiler Chicken Farm and the Prairie Swine Centre. Every Canadian province has laws safeguarding animals to protect them from cruelty, many referencing the codes of practice within their regulations.  

Myth 3: Farming technology always led to environmental harm 

Fact: Modern farming technologies are engineered to minimize environmental impact and often contribute to resource conservation. 

Here are 5 examples of how farming technologies contribute to environmental stewardship: 

1. Precision Agriculture. Using GPS, sensors and data analytics to optimize crop management, including conservation tillage farming techniques that aim to minimize soil disturbance, enhance soil health, and reduce erosion and carbon dioxide emissions.
2. Smart Irrigation System. Utilizing sensors and weather data to optimize water usage, control water distribution by zones and reduce runoff in irrigation, thereby helping to conserve water and enhance crop yields. 
3. Genetic Engineering. Modifying plant’s genomes to enhance traits like disease resistance yield, or nutritional content.  For example, Artic apples uses the apple’s own genes to suppress the enzyme responsible for browning when the fruit is cut, effectively reducing food waste. Check out Crop Life’s website for additional info on gene editing.
4. Grassland Grazing Benefits. Beef cattle thrive in areas unsuitable for crops, aiding in the management of dominant plant species through grazing (think of it like pruning a garden) and offering manure, a natural fertilizer, to enrich the soil. 
5. Feed Recycling. Livestock can be fed by-products from human food production, such as distillers’ grains, canola/soybean meal, beet pulp, fruit rinds, or products that are not appealing to consumer market, thereby minimize landfill waste. 

Myth 4: Canadian farmers streamline production by limiting choices for profitability  

Fact: Canadian farmers value consumer feedback and adjust their practices to meet diverse and evolving demands.  

Canadian farmers demonstrate their commitment to consumers by offering a wide range of choices that align with diverse preferences and values. Through practices such as employing various farming system and transparent labeling, consumers can make informed decisions about their food. For example, during our tour of the Star egg processing plant, we learned that they process 1.5 million eggs daily from approximately 65 farmers in Saskatchewan. These farms employ various methods for raising hens, offering a variety of egg options, including different sizes and colours (white or brown) and products that meet specific requirements such as Free Run eggs (hens are raised in weather-sheltered barns), Free Range eggs (hens are raised in open concept barns), organic eggs, nutrient enriched eggs (e.g. omega 3 enhanced). This diversity caters to the public’s preferences and values, accommodating different price points and nutritional needs.  

Next time you visit the grocery store and farmer’s markets, you may be surprised by a wide array of choices beyond eggs, such as artisanal cheeses made from local dairy farms, greenhouse-grown vegetables, and meats sourced from organically raised livestock. These options reflect the commitment of Canadian farmers to quality, diversity, and embracing the evolving tastes and needs of consumers. 

Myth 5: Canadian farms operate discreetly and prefer to keep their practices hidden from public view. 

Fact: Canadian farms value transparency and actively engage the public in farm-to-food connections 

Consumers are increasingly interested in understanding the production processes of their food. However, many of us living in urban area lack firsthand experience or understanding of where our food comes from and how it is produced. This gap can lead to misconceptions about farming practices, food safety and sustainability. In order to bridge this gap, Canadian farmers actively share information about their responsible practices through educational programs, transparent communication via online platform and various initiatives. These efforts aim to foster a better understanding and appreciation of agriculture’s importance to our Canadian economy and our everyday lives.  Throughout the farm tour, it’s clear that farmers enthusiastically welcome questions, sparking lively discussions that frequently extended beyond the scheduled times.   

If you are interested in learning more about Canadian agriculture, here are several avenues to consider:  

• Experience 360-degree virtual Canadian farm and food tours by visiting FarmFood360◦, featuring dairy cows, beef, chickens, mushroom, pigs, eggs, potatoes, Western Canadian grain farm, oat farm and processing, and much more.  

• Certain provinces host annual open farm days, providing opportunities to visit farms and learn about their operations. For details on events and participating farms in your area, visit their official websites or local agricultural organizations. For example, 

• Alberta  

• Saskatchewan 

• Ontario: Frontenac and Kinston areas 

• Atlantic provinces 

For credible information on food and farming, check out platforms and resources like Canadian Food Focus and Farm and Food Care. 

Thanks to the exceptional team at the Canadian Food Focus for hosting such an eye-opening tour! It helps me, as a dietitian, reconnect with our food sources, which are essential to nutrition.