Need for off-farm incomes grows

Jun 29, 2023

From trucking to teaching, seed or chemical sales, off-farm jobs are nothing new for many agriculture operations. The need for supplemental income seems to be increasing, according to the latest data.

In a December 2022 report from the USDA, the mean household income on a farm was $135,281 in 2021, the highest ever recorded. However, more than $100,000 of that was coming from non-farm sources. Based on averages, less than 25% of a farm’s income came from the farm itself.

“In those record-setting years, nearly 50% of our farmers, ranchers and producers lost money,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said during an address at Commodity Classic in March. “Another 40% of those make some money, but the majority of the money they make comes from off-farm income.”

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Video: Why Port Infrastructure is Key to Growing Canada's Farms and Economy

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) knows that strong, modern port infrastructure is vital to the success of Canada’s agriculture. When our ports grow, Ontario grain farmers and Canadian farms grow too—and when we grow, Canada grows.

In this video, we highlight the importance of investing in port infrastructure and how these investments are key to growing Ontario agriculture and supporting global trade. The footage showcases the strength of both Ontario’s farming landscapes and vital port operations, including some key visuals from HOPA Ports, which we are grateful to use in this project.

Ontario’s grain farmers rely on efficient, sustainable ports and seaway systems to move grain to markets around the world. Port investments are crucial to increasing market access, driving economic growth, and ensuring food security for all Canadians.

Why Port Infrastructure Matters:

Investing in Ports = Investing in Farms: Modernized ports support the export of Canadian grain, driving growth in agriculture.

Sustainable Growth: Learn how stronger ports reduce environmental impact while boosting economic stability.

Global Trade Opportunities: Improved port and seaway systems help farmers access new global markets for their grain.

Stronger Communities: Investment in ports means more stable jobs and economic growth for rural communities across Ontario and Canada.

We are proud to support the ongoing investment in port infrastructure and to shine a light on its vital role in feeding the world and securing a prosperous future for Canadian agriculture.

Special thanks to HOPA Ports for providing some of the stunning port footage featured in this video.