Decline in Number of Canadian Farms Slows

May 13, 2022

The number of Canadian farms is continuing to decline as the industry consolidates and producers age. But the pace of that decline is slowing.

In its first release of data from the 2021 Census of Agriculture on Wednesday, Statistics Canada pegged the total number of farms in the country at 189,874, down a relatively modest 1.9% from the previous Census of Agriculture in 2016. The trend toward fewer farms has been ongoing for decades, but this past year’s decline was nonetheless the smallest in a quarter century.

Between 2011 and 2016, the number of Canadian farms fell 5.9%, and dropped 10.3% in the previous census period from 2006 to 2011.

“Over time, farms have been evolving to become increasingly sophisticated businesses that harmonize automation, modernization and production operations,” StatsCan said. “As a result, many farms have consolidated and become increasingly larger both in terms of sales and number of employees. Conversely, smaller and mid-sized farms are declining in Canada, thereby impacting the rural landscape and profile of Canadian regions.”

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Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.