A new census look at Canada’s farms reveals some noteworthy new numbers, according to The National Post:

• Farms are dwindling in number and almost half of those that remain cannot cover their expenses. However, the total farm area in the country remained virtually unchanged at 67.6 million hectares.

• The number of farms with more than $250,000 in gross income increased by nearly 14% over the past half-decade and “million-dollar farms” grew by 33%. Small farms are still the most common in Canada by far, but their numbers are shrinking and they have a much harder time making ends meet.

• 44% of Canada’s farms were unable to cover their expenses in 2005.

• More farmers are looking for work off the farm and working longer hours. 48% now have a second job, off the farm, up from 45% in 2001.

• 52 is the median age for a Canadian farmer, up from just under 50 on the last census. 41% are over 55, while farmers under 35 have declined by 25%.

Photo credit: Britannica Concise