Agriculture

The City of Kawartha Lakes has a strong history of agriculture and rural living. From 1821 to 1871, pioneers to the area cleared the forests to make way for farms. Farming was mainly concentrated in the more hospitable land of the southern townships, while logging and forestry remained in the northern townships.

Today, farmers' fields in the City of Kawartha Lakes are still bountiful with wheat, barley, oats, corn and hay. As you drive, expect to see cattle and horses grazing in the fields. Livestock auctions are still very much a part of our community, as are fall fairs and farmers' markets.

Agriculture and the agri-food sectors are major contributors to the City's economy. Beef cattle and dairy farming predominate, as well as mixed livestock farming. Hay is the largest single crop grown. Farm gate sales generated $87.5 million in the 2006 Canada Census.

The crops range from beef, dairy, fruits and vegetables, to swine and mixed farming.

In recent years traditional farming has included high-yield crops and specialty farming such as goats, deer and herb farms. Farm operations throughout the City regularly use the latest technologies.

For more information contact:

Kelly Maloney
Agriculture Development Officer
kmaloney@city.kawarthalakes.on.ca
705-324-9411 ext. 1208
1-866-397-6673