Wellington County has emerged as an agri-food powerhouse as it leads the way in crop and livestock production.
The Wellington Federation of Agriculture recently released its report which examined the agri-food system in the County.
Its been found Wellington has contributed $2.8 billion to Canada’s GDP and employing over 12,260 people.
Wellington County has been home to Canada’s most productive farmland supporting 5 per cent of the province’s field crops.
Farmers in Wellington produce 4 per cent of the province’s soybeans and grain corn as well as 7 per cent of the province’s winter wheat.
The County’s farmers are leaders in field crop production, growing:
- 10% of Ontario’s acreage of corn silage
- 9% of Ontario’s acreage of mixed grain
- 8% of Ontario’s acreage of barley
Wellington County’s agri-food system is also a powerhouse when it comes to livestock production and processing. The County is home to:
- 12% of Ontario’s dairy farms
- 10% of Ontario’s poultry and egg farms
- 8% of Ontario’s hog and pig farms
- 7% of Ontario’s equine farms
“This report confirms our knowledge that the farmers in Wellington County are leading the way in agricultural production in Ontario. It also reinforces that our soils are a driving force behind the vibrant agri-food system in the County. As our County and province grows, we have a responsibility to protect and grow our agri-food system, not only for our future, but also for the future of those who depend on the food we produce.”
-Andy Lennox, Warden, Wellington County