Numbers from Statistics Canada’s 2016 Census of Agriculture continue to be released.
And of the 40,630 farms in Alberta, nearly 53 percent of them were classified as “sole proprietorship.” But in a news release, ATB Financial does note that it’s down from 57 percent in the 2011 census.
About a quarter of Alberta’s farms are now classified as “family corporations,” which is up from less than 16 percent five years earlier.
(Picture/Giant Stride Farm)
The family corporation category increases the scope of ownership between the farmer, and perhaps a spouse and/or children. ATB says it also allows for a greater degree of separation between the farm operation and personal assets and liabilities.
And also, a category called “simple partnerships” account for another 22 percent, while only 803 farms were listed as “non-family corporations.”
Specialty Farms Growing in Number
Census numbers show that there were a high number of specialty farms in operation last year.
Among this category of farms, 605 were listed as greenhouse and nursery operations. They include tree nurseries, floriculture operations and even three mushroom farms.
The second-largest category was dry pea and bean growers, which was at about 600 in operation.
Also, there were 411 dairy operations, 399 sheep and goat farms, and 373 poultry farms.
As well, ATB says that honey production continues to increase, with 343 beekeeping operations in place in 2016, up 39 percent over the past five years.
– Posted by BET
