Yukon’s Farming Frontier is Open for Trailblazers

Do you think the Peace River region is about the furthest north one can farm? Not so fast.

Yukon is flipping the script on traditional agriculture, and Alberta farmers may want to take notes. For over 40 years, Canada’s westernmost territory has quietly turned over almost 40,000 acres for agricultural development. That’s not massive by Alberta standards but a game-changer for the so-called “Land of the Midnight Sun” — Yukon is about twice the size of the United Kingdom but has a population of only around 40,000.

With a goal of reducing reliance on expensive imported food, Yukon’s agriculture policy is driven by one thing: food security. And with the high cost of transporting food north, it’s easy to see why. Local produce means Yukon can stay stocked whether the roads are open or not, says the territory’s agricultural lands manager, Jonathan Lucas.

“That said, getting into farming in Yukon isn’t easy,” he says.

Canadian residency is required, and Yukon makes sure you’re committed before you’re even considered. You must live there a year before you can access land under Yukon’s agricultural land program, and would-be farmers who want a 160-acre plot (the maximum allowed under the program) must cover surveying costs, commit to property improvements, and meet additional requirements to take part.

Contrary to past media reports, the land isn’t free, either — farmers pay for it during the development process.

Oh, and the land might not be what you’re picturing if you come from the wide-open spaces of Alberta.

“It’s wild, forested land that takes serious work to clear and develop — not the open expanses of field that farmers on the Prairies might think of,” Lucas says.

But once it’s ready, the summer sunlight advantage could surprise you, with Yukon daylight stretching up to 22 hours.

So, what’s growing in this northern land of opportunity? You’d be surprised.

“Yukon farmers produce hay and feed crops for our ever-expanding cattle industry, along with oats, barley, and vegetables,” Lucas adds.

Even better? Yukon now has a mill turning local grains into flour and baking mixes. Eggs are a big hit, and there’s also a seasonal model for pork and other livestock — bring up piglets or calves in the spring, fatten them through the summer, and you’re ready to supply local stores.

Yukon’s agriculture program has its quirks, but it’s attracting pioneers who are changing the game.