ABOUT FARMING

Get "The Real Dirt on Farming"  

in Northumberland County and the rest of Canada!

Northumberland County, located just east of the Greater Toronto Region, is one of the oldest farming communities in Ontario. 

 Bordering on Durham, Peterborough, Quinte West and Hastings Counties, Northumberland is an agricultural community. Reminiscent of the original Northumberland County in England, with picturesque rolling hills, cozy dells and hollows, winding burns and brooks, the home of Rural Ramble is quick to display its beauty.  Lurking behind every bend in the road and over each hill is a breath-taking view or stunning little oasis.  

Early farmers cleared the land to raise animals, grow food and crops to support themselves and their large families and to provide a storehouse or reserve against disaster or long cold Canadian winters.  

Some early crops, including apples, were sometimes grown for the European market.  Hardy apple varieties were sought to withstand the long journey across the Atlantic. Early varieties of apples were not always the best tasting, just the most sea-worthy!  

Northumberland today is comprised of seven municipalities, many of which still maintain their original borders, although some communities have amalgamated as in other parts of Ontario.  For the most part, the warm, welcoming people of the county remain, those who are descended from the original settlers mixed comfortably in with the new waves of urban refugees, who have discovered the peace and beauty of this part of the province.  

 FARMING TODAY 

Northumberland County is one of the largest agri-food centers in Ontario. Productive farmland intertwines with almost 7,000 acres of rich forested hills. Farmland makes up approximately 253,665 acres of the county. 

Dairy, beef and pork are the three major farm products in Northumberland. Beef and dairy together make up over 50% of the total value of agriculture.  

Hay is the number one crop produced and in second comes corn for grain. Other major field crops include soybeans, winter wheat, and barley with most farmers growing three or more of these crops each year.  

Apples are still grown today and account for the largest type of fruit grown in this county.

 Maple syrup and honey are still produced much the same way as they were years ago. 

Specialty crops, tender fruits and exotic animals such as bison and alpacas now contribute to the diversity of Northumberland's agricultural industry.