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| WORKING LANDSCAPES | | CHANGING SKYLINES | | SUSTAINABLE HORIZONS | | ABOUT US / EXHIBIT SCHEDULE |
WORKING LANDSCAPES II
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The end of 19th century saw farming practices become more intensive and specialized. Market gardens, dairy farms and other specialty operations were established to provide for both rural and urban communities. By the 1880s Ontario farmers had already turned to mixed farming and dairying, including cheese and butter production. Farm land on the outskirts of towns and cities was already becoming less available and more expensive. |
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Grimsby farms. Lincoln & Welland County Atlas, 1876.
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Picking applesSpecialty operations, vineyards, market gardens and orchards with their highly intensive cultivation emerged during the last half of the 19th century. These farms are at the heart of Greenbelt agriculture today.
“Land, anywhere, that will grow cereals can be made to grow choice varieties of apples, pears, plums, and cherries; peaches and grapes also can be raised, with some little protection, much farther north than their present range; while small fruits are hardy and prolific in any temperate climate...”
“ Fruit growing is a profitable industry, ... the returns more than compensate for the minute care necessary... Fruit farms have not fallen in value, as other kinds of farms undoubtedly have.” Farming. (an illustrated monthly magazine) March 1896. Toronto, Canada
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The scientific farmer of the Victorian era developed livestock breeds and crop varieties to have reliable yields and meet local needs. Today, heritage groups preserve these pure livestock breeds and unmodified seed varieties to help ensure future food security.
The emergence of the scientific farmer in the mid 19th century brought a new approach to land use. Progressive farmers worked on developing hardy crop varieties and breeds to improve productivity and flavour, and be resistant to diseases and climate variations. The resulting bio-diversity along with sustainable land use ensured local food security.
“Crop varieties and farmers’ knowledge are cultural treasures and economic resources... Diversity reduces farmers’ vulnerability to climate changes, market swings, pest attacks... crop diversity...contributes powerfully to local food security.” Vijay Cuddeford, researcher, Toronto, Canada, 2000.
In the 20th century the industrialization of agriculture placed value on fast growth, ripening speed, resilience to shipping, size and high yields. Refinement and selection promoted the adoption of single varieties and the crop and livestock gene pool narrowed to a vulnerable size .
“90 to 95 per cent of all domestic turkeys raised for sale now come from only three lines of breeding stock... 95 per cent of our milk comes from Holstein cows. But 60 per cent of these cows come from only four breeding lines....nearly half... come from... just 12 bulls...(this is) monoculture manufacturing.” Cameron Smith, Rare Breeds Canada, 2001
Today, heritage breed organizations, seed saving societies, living history museums and pedigree livestock breeding farms are directly involved in the conservation of endangered breeds and seed varieties. Many small family run century farms are endeavouring to maintain the traditions of generations by supporting those breeds and crops of their ancestors.
Learn more about Heritage Plants | Learn more about Heritage Animals
About the turn of the 19th century traction engines brought steam power to the fields. Tractors were introduced during WWI and the era of horsepower was soon to be over. Premium land, previously held for horse pasture could now be turned to crops and intense cultivation.
First ox, then horse, then tractor. Region of Peel Archives.
